From what age can children wear earrings?

Many parents ask themselves: at what age can children wear earrings?
Although there is no legal or medical minimum age, experts generally agree that children’s earrings are safest from around the age of 3.

The right age depends on the child’s development, the type of earrings, and the aftercare following ear piercing. In this article, you’ll learn all about:

• the best age for children’s earrings
• earrings for babies, toddlers, and older children
• safe materials for children’s ears
• aftercare following ear piercing

From what age are earrings safe?

The safety of children’s earrings is determined by several factors:

• the sensitivity of the ear
• the risk of infections
• whether the child understands that earrings need to be cared for

In general: the older the child, the lower the risks.

Earrings for babies (0–12 months)

Having earrings pierced for babies is usually not recommended by doctors and professionals. Baby ears are still very sensitive, and the risk of infection is higher. In addition, a baby cannot indicate whether he or she is in pain.

If parents nevertheless choose earrings for a baby, this should be done exclusively by:

• a professional piercer
• a pediatrician

and only using fully sterile materials.

Earrings for toddlers (1–3 years)

Many parents choose to have their toddlers’ ears pierced. At this age, earlobes are stronger and piercings often heal better than in babies. However, it remains important that:

• the child does not pull on the earrings
• the earrings are cleaned and cared for daily

Good hygiene and the right materials are essential.

Earrings for children aged 3 and up

From the age of 3 is generally considered the safest age for children’s earrings. Children can sit still better during the piercing process and usually understand that the earrings need to be kept clean. This reduces the risk of infections.

For many parents, this is the ideal age to have ears pierced.

Which earrings are suitable for children?

For children’s ears, it is important to choose hypoallergenic and lightweight earrings. The best materials for children’s earrings are:

• 14-karat gold
• titanium
• surgical steel
• sterling silver with a platinum coating

Avoid heavy earrings or dangling styles. Small studs or hoops are the most suitable as first earrings.

What are click hoops (sleeper hoops)?

Click hoops are round hinged earrings specially designed for small and sensitive ears. They are often used as first earrings for children.

Benefits of click hoops for children

• secure click mechanism
• lower risk of allergic reactions
• comfortable while sleeping and playing
• stay in place securely

At Osira, all children’s earrings are made from sterling silver with a protective platinum coating, ideal for sensitive children’s ears.

Ear piercing for children: what should you consider?

Having children’s ears pierced is best done by:

• a professional piercer
• a certified jeweler
• a pediatrician

Piercing ears at home is not recommended due to the increased risk of infection.

Aftercare following ear piercing

Proper aftercare is crucial for quick healing:

• clean 1–2 times a day with saline solution
• gently rotate the earring
• avoid chlorinated water and dirty hands
• check for redness, swelling, or pus

Healing takes an average of 6 to 8 weeks. Only after this period is it advisable to change earrings.

Frequently asked questions about children’s earrings

From what age can children wear earrings?

The safest age to have ears pierced is usually from around 3 years old, as children are better able to cooperate and the risk of infection is lower.

From what age are children’s earrings safest?

Children’s earrings are safest when the ear is sufficiently developed and the child understands how to handle them—generally from the age of 3 years or older.

How long should earrings stay in after piercing?

Leave the earrings in for at least 6 to 8 weeks to prevent the holes from closing.

Buy safe children’s earrings

Looking for safe and stylish children’s earrings? At Osira, you’ll find children’s earrings made from sterling silver with a platinum coating—perfect as first earrings or as follow-up earrings after healing.