If you decide to get your daughter’s ears pierced. Print out the following list of tips and keep it somewhere handy. Make sure that you, the baby’s father and any caregivers that take care of the baby are aware of these tips. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
1. Apply ear antiseptic or solution (such as alcohol) as approved by your doctor to clean the site of the ear piercing.
2. Be sure to keep the infant’s ears cleaned thoroughly to provide a sterile environment during the first six weeks after an ear piercing. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
3. Understand that once pierced, your daughter should wear the earrings continuously except for cleanings for the next four to six months.
4. Alcohol may be advised against. If so, clean as directed as indicated in tip 1. Your doctor will be able to give you a list of ideal solutions.
5. Practice hand sanitizing and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your baby’s ears. This will help reduce bacterial transfer.
6. Avoid using perfume or hairspray around the baby’s ears.
7. Be sure to wash away any soap or shampoo residue when bathing the baby.
8. Change the crib sheet often (every other day) after the baby’s ears are pierced. Do so with any blankets. Be sure to clean any toys she cuddles with regularly as well during the healing phase.
9. Use q-tips or gauze to clean around the ears. Be sure to use a fresh one for each ear.
10. Practice rotating the earrings once or twice a day during the first six weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns, always consult your medical professional before using medication or if you have concerns about an infection.