Tag: Piercing

Infant ear piercing in Latino cultures and the United States

Although piercing a newborn's tiny ears is controversial in the United States, in Spain and Latin America it's customary to do so moments or days after a baby girl is born. In these cultures, it's believed that it's more painful for the child if you wait until she's older.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there's little risk at any age if the piercing is performed carefully and cared for conscientiously. But the AAP does recommend waiting until a child is old enough to take care of the piercing herself.