When the child is old enough to make a rattional decision and the responsibilities that come along with getting your ears pierced.

by Nickia 10:02:04 PM 2011.03.17

I think it is a completely unnecessary torture for little one. When they are old enough to ask for it and understand that it will hurt when getting it and that it is a responsibility, then go for it. I used to work across the hall from a business that pierced ears and we hated to have to hear the wails of the infants under the piercer. As if the pokes from the needles of vaccinations that most chiLdren get at that age isn't enough torture! Let them wait!

by Beth 01:03:48 PM 2011.03.18

Michelle, First, I don't think moms wanting their dd's ears pierced early are "mean mommies". Admittedly, I know a lot of people have strong feelings when to pierce a child's ear. "Let them decide" is being replaced by parental decision when mommy intuition knows, "earlier is better" from either personal or friend's experiences of unpleasant childhood ear piercing. I think it just depends on your own personal choice whether or not you wish your baby or little girl to have pierced ears. Some feel perceived gender of their child is important while others find it a cultural tradition where all infant girls have pierced ears. Second,I pierced our oldest daughter's ears when she was six weeks old and our youngest at just days old. We found an experienced individual where they specialized in infant piercing following some suggestions from our ped who encouraged me to go ahead early.She had her dd's done at Piercing Pagoda and recommended them due to their professional training and experience with infant ear piercing. Third, my mom pierced my ears when I was 2 days old as and I've loved it....I think earrings on little girls are adorable! If you don't know how she'd look at any age, then hold up a pair of your studs to your daughters ear and decide for yourself. Many moms including myself like the look of earrings on babies and little girls for no specific reason, but like how light plays off a simple gold ball on a bald baby girl or small gold hoop poking through the hair of a toddler. Cerebrally, as mothers of girls of all ages, we know it celebrates their femaleness and femininity. After all, they are little girls, right? Lastly, I think moms who ask others opinions really down deep have their mommy intuition telling them earlier is better to pierce your dd's ears when mommy cares for them. Of course, the hard question for moms with little baby girls is once the decision is made is when should I do it? I'd say go ahead when your're ready to care for them and do it before they are aware of and will allow you to care for them properly. This is usually before a year or so. However, once done, you will have given your dd the "gift of pierced ears" and she'll thank you later. When all the other girls in preschool see her with earrings, promise they will be envious of you being such a smart mommy for doing it when you could care for them and she didn't remember having them done. If any moms are unsure, or if you would like our ped's suggestions for moms having their dd's ears pierced, then write me an e-mail. Amy Amyswor(at)hotmail(dot)com

by Amy 12:59:46 PM 2011.03.20