When should I pierce my baby’s ears?

The simple answer to this question is anytime. It’s safe to pierce your baby’s ears anytime from birth until the day he or she turns 18. It won’t cause any damage and there is no anatomical or developmental reason a newborn’s ears can’t be pierced.

But is there an ideal time?

Doctors in the U.S. recommend waiting until two weeks after the two month vaccinations, which include a tetanus vaccine. After two weeks, your baby should have developed antibodies to tetanus and will have some protection if they are exposed to tetanus while getting their ears pierced.

How would your baby get tetanus from getting their ears pierced? She will only get tetanus if the equipment used is rusty or dirty. Tetanus is a type of bacterial infection that can be deadly in newborns, so its particularly worrisome, but your child could get a variety of bacterial infections if exposed to dirty equipment.

So, the answer to this question is anytime but best to wait at least two weeks after the two-month vaccinations. And always make sure the environment and equipment are clean and sterilized any time you pierce your child’s ears..