Opinions on Ear Piercing For Babies/Toddlers?

[RabbitsRock]

Just seen a photo on Facebook of an ex colleague’s child who I don’t think is even 2 & she has pierced ears. I just think it’s so wrong. In really little babies it’s even worse! At least wait until the child is old enough to choose & even then, that’s really too soon. I first had mine done at 16 & they soon healed over as I couldn’t be bothered to do what you’re supposed to do properly.

It should be illegal until children can give consent. We teach kids about body autonomy, but undermine it by doing unnecessary body modifications.

My DD is 9 and has been pushing for pierced ears for about 2 years. I still think she's too young, but I'm showing her whats involved , and if she still wants it, we'll look at it for her 10th birthday. Admittedly this is because I wasn't allowed to make the choice myself, and had to wait until I was 16. I felt that was also me not having ownership over my body.

I realised how strongly I felt when I couldn't permit a circumcision on DS be6his body is his & we didn't have ownership. My parents made my life hell right after birth, being almost abusive, making mee feel like a bad parent for refusing. When I stated I would if they could give me a medical reason, they said they didn't have one, 'it's just what you do'.

I think the answer on circumcision is obvious.

Horrific thing to do to a toddler. Completely unnecessary.

I absolutely do not agree with it until the child is old enough to choose themselves

If they can't ask for it themselves, and also understand about aftercare etc, then they are too young.
Parents who have young children's ears pierced are doing it for themselves, not their kid.

It’s ghastly.

I think for a baby who won't understand what's happening it's quite mean and unnecessary.

But also the risk of losing them, the ear getting infected, getting caught on things, being a choking hazard if they come out etc.

and babies are hard work why would you add the whole maintenance routine to things you need to do for them. When they are eg 8-10+ they can take care of that themselves

It is just so wrong. I heard a programme on the radio, where a consultant from Newcastle hospital said that if parents had done as many operations as he had to repair torn ears or dig out ingrown earrings, they wouldn’t dream of letting their children have their ears pierced, and he begged any parent listening not to consider it until the child concerned was at least twelve.