To be upset that 'Claire's' pierce babies ears...

[ConstantlyFrazzled]

.... right in the main window for everyone to see...

I hate to think of little babies having painful things done to them that they have not consented to, need or asked for. I know ear piercing isn't the end of the world, but I was really upset to see a baby today sitting on her mother's lap being held still, about to be 'pierced' for the sake of 'beauty'. Seconds later the baby did of course scream out in pain and cry, and I have to admit I felt extremely angry and upset for her sake .

Am I being unreasonable to think that a child should be old enough to consent to have their ears pierced or is it right to allow parents to make this decision?

I would like to see 'Claire's' setting a minimum age for ear piercing - am I being unreasonable to suggest that?

YANBU.

DD is three and asked to wear earrings like me, I told her it hurt very much and I'd show her someone else having it done then she could make up her mind.

I took her to Claire's, she watched a girl aged about 6 having her ears pierced, saw the girl scream then startcrying after the first one and said she didn't want earrings any more. Worked a treat.

I couldnt imagine inflicting that on a small baby.

I dont think YABU, but only because I think it should be up to the child to decide if he/she wants his/her ears pierced. I am currently pregnant with my first child and I already decided long ago that it would be up to my children if and when they get their ears pierced. I know tonnes of people that have had their small childs ears pierced and I wouldn't say I'm completely against it, thats up to them but certainly not for me. I suppose its different if they have to have them done for cultural reasons or what have you.

Haziedoll - for the money

Sorry I don't respect any 'culture' that pokes holes in babies in order to decorate them.

I do think there should be a limit - I think about 4 years, so they're old enough to choose.

I realised the other week that I was being a massive hypocrite to DD though, she wants hers done (she's 8) and I said no, not until you're a teenager. I have 4+ in each ear and a nose ring. I've caught myself on, she's getting them done in the summer.

It's never hurt me, just a bit of a pinch. I'm sure she'll feel pain though, she's an utter drama queen.

I think the minimum age should be 12yrs.

Its CHAVVY! There you go, bear

You win a voucher for 'Baby ear piercing' courtesy of Claire's

FMG and Ear Piercing a baby, completely different! Christ.

I had mine done at twelve. I paid for it myself and the only reason my father relented was because I told him if he didn't take me to a reputable place, I'd do it with a crochet needle and an ice cube.

I was always a determined little madam!

But for what it's worth - I hate seeing little children with pierced ears. To me, having pierced ears is a sign on growing up. You wouldn't put a bra on a baby, so why earrings IYSWIM?

of growing up*

Thank you for your responses - this is the second time I have seen this being done and it upset me just as much. I have to admit that I have spoken out at each occasion as debka did and asked how they can do that to a little baby...

Kendodd - I also intend to email Claire's to ask them about their policy.

I nagged at my parents for ages to have my ears pierced, and was allowed when I was 6 (10 years younger than my mum had initially said!). I'm really glad to say my 9yr has never asked to have hers done yet.

I also have a baby girl and could not imagine having her ears pierced for so many reasons... such as never wanting to put her through unnecessary pain... I would also really worry that she might get them pulled, pull them herself or develop an infection...!

Fucking hell it's not that bad. Claire's isn't that bad at piercing either, my friends, family and I have all had it done there and we are still alive with no
nasty infections.

Nor is it the end of the world.

epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/18977

We could give this petition the Mumsnet seal of approval

YANBU

yabu

Those who think its ok, what if a parent decided they.wanted to use scarification on a baby? Basically cutting a design into the skin so the wound forms a scar design. Surely the same thing. Inflicting pain because you, the onlooker, thinks it looks nice.

I haven't done my DD.

However, as I said earlier, many people here (US) are able to do it for their babies at the Doctor...even Wal-mart is very clean.

There is a school of thought (in these parts) that the younger one gets them done, the easier it is to manage.

The baby accepts the earring as part of itself (if that makes sense) and leaves it alone ...leaving Mum able to keep them clean.

Actually much better than a small child fiddling and introducing infection.

So, it is not all bad. I just think it needs to be done by trained people.

It is culturally acceptable for some , a rite of passage ...it would seem strange to them not to. That has to be accepted.

I do hope some of you aren't this intolerant in real life

Stealth! A crochet needle is pretty hardcore. Or am i confusing a crochet hook with some finer needly thing

I have one ear with smashed up cartilage courtesy of Claire's, it's not great...

Those who think its ok, what if a parent decided they.wanted to use scarification on a baby? Basically cutting a design into the skin so the wound forms a scar design. Surely the same thing. Inflicting pain because you, the onlooker, thinks it looks nice.

Not even remotely the same thing, unless you consider that plucking your eyebrows is akin to cosmetic surgery.

Yes, agincourt, I am this intolerant in real life - of people causing their babies unnecessary pain in the name of vanity. I'm more than happy to be intolerant of that, thanks