MUMS sharing videos of their baby daughters having their ears pierced have reignited the debate about whether piercing young children should be allowed.
One TikTok clip, which has been viewed almost seven million times, shows a mum called Kristy holding her baby who jumps with shock and starts crying after the piercer puts the gun to her ear.
The post divided opinion with some users saying it was “cruel”, while others thought it was “cute”.
Ultimately the choice of whether or not to pierce your child’s ears, and at what age, lies with the parents.
But there are some factors to consider to make an informed decision.
Dr Ravi Jayaram, Consultant Paediatrician at the Countess of Chester Hospital, says that any break in the skin carries a risk of infection and there are several reasons why babies are at higher risk.
The important thing is if you are going to get your child’s ears pierced, make sure you go to somewhere that’s reputable
Dr Ravi Jayaram