Baby and child ear piercing
An important moment
Piercing your child's ears, gently
Having your child's ears pierced is a decision you prepare for. Many parents arrive with questions, and sometimes a little apprehension — that's normal, and we take as long as it takes.
Kathryn pierces babies' earlobes from 2 months old, provided they are vaccinated, and children up to 17. She has worked with young clients for years: she explains every step, lets the child settle at their own pace, and never pushes if the moment isn't right.
How it works
Before the appointment
We recommend numbing the earlobe with an anaesthetic cream, available at any pharmacy, about an hour before the appointment. A good night's sleep beforehand also makes a real difference with the youngest ones.
Settling in
We meet the child and the parent, answer questions and show the equipment. Nothing starts until everyone is comfortable.
Choosing the jewellery
Together we pick something suited to a young earlobe: 24k gold-plated surgical steel, with a short post and a secure fastening.
Marking
Kathryn marks the spot and has both the parent and the child approve it before piercing. This is the step that guarantees the placement is even.
The piercing
A single-use sterile needle, opened in front of you and discarded afterwards. The moment itself lasts a second per lobe. If both ears are being done, they're done one after the other in the same visit.
Afterwards
We go through the aftercare with the parent, practically and without jargon, and you leave with it written down. You can always message us or drop by if anything worries you.
Aftercare, written for a parent
- Clean twice a day, morning and evening, with the saline cleanser we give you. Wash your hands before touching your child's ears.
- Don't twist or remove the jewellery during healing, not even to clean.
- Avoid baths, pools and lakes for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Tie back long hair, and watch out for tight-necked jumpers, winter hats and helmets.
- Dry the lobes properly after a bath or shower.
- Allow 3 to 6 months of healing for a lobe before changing the jewellery. Come and see us rather than forcing it.
- Slight redness in the first few days is normal. Increasing pain, heat or thick discharge is not — get in touch.
Questions parents ask
- How old does a baby have to be?
- From 2 months, provided the baby has had their vaccinations. Facial, navel and ear cartilage piercings are available from age 16, with a parent or legal guardian present. Nipple, oral and surface piercings and microdermals are for ages 18 and over.
- Does it hurt?
- The lobe is the least sensitive part of the ear and the piercing takes a second. Most young children are mainly surprised. We recommend numbing the lobe with an anaesthetic cream, available at any pharmacy, about an hour before the appointment.
- Do you use a piercing gun?
- No. We use a single-use sterile needle, opened in front of you and discarded afterwards. It's more precise than a gun and gentler on the tissue of the lobe.
- What jewellery do you use for a child?
- 24k gold-plated surgical steel, with a short post and a secure fastening suited to a young earlobe.
- What does it cost?
- $60 for one lobe, or $100 for both ears. The jewellery is included in that price; taxes are extra.
- What should I bring?
- The child must be accompanied for the whole appointment. Bring something comforting — a favourite blanket, soft toy or teddy often makes all the difference.
- What if my child changes their mind?
- We stop. It happens, it's no trouble, and you can come back when they're ready. We never pierce a child who isn't willing.
- Do I need an appointment?
- Yes, we work by appointment. That way we can give you the time you need with nobody waiting.
Ready to book?
Write or call us — we're happy to answer questions before setting a date.