From What Age Earrings? Safe Choices for Children

From what age can you wear earrings?

There is no legally established minimum age for ear piercing in the Netherlands. The decision depends on cultural traditions, medical considerations, and personal preference. Generally, doctors and piercers advise waiting until a child is old enough to decide for themselves if they want earrings — and can perform the aftercare themselves. Check out our children's jewelry collection for safe earrings in steel and silver.

Cultural and traditional aspects

In many cultures, it is common for babies or young children to have their ears pierced. In Latin American, Spanish, Indian, and many Mediterranean cultures, it is a tradition to give girls earrings shortly after birth as a symbol of femininity and protection. In the Netherlands and Northern Europe, it is more common to wait until the child expresses the wish themselves.

Medical considerations

Vaccination schedule — wait until the child has had their first tetanus vaccination (standard around 3 months in the Netherlands) before getting their ears pierced. Aftercare and hygiene — young children may have difficulty with earring aftercare, which can cause infections. Older children (from 8–10 years old) are better able to perform aftercare themselves. Material — always choose titanium or 316L surgical steel for children. Both are nickel-free or low-nickel and minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Read more on our nickel allergy explanation page.

Psychological aspects

Older children and teenagers who express a desire to wear earrings themselves are better able to take responsibility for aftercare. They understand the procedure better and can indicate if something is wrong. Many experts advise waiting until the child asks for earrings themselves — this increases the chance of proper aftercare and reduces the risk of infections.

Frequently asked questions about earrings for children

From what age can children wear earrings?

There is no legal minimum age in the Netherlands. Doctors often advise waiting until after the first tetanus vaccination (around 3 months) for babies, or until the child is old enough to decide for themselves and perform aftercare (typically 8–10 years).

What material is safest for children's earrings?

Titanium or 316L surgical steel are the safest choices for children. Both are nickel-free or low-nickel and minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Avoid cheap alloys without material information.

How do I care for my child's earrings?

Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl). Avoid twisting the earrings. Check daily for redness, swelling, or discharge. Leave the initial studs in for at least 6 weeks for an earlobe piercing.

How long should initial studs stay in?

Initial studs should stay in for at least 6 weeks for an earlobe piercing. Only change to other earrings after this period. For the first earrings after healing, choose nickel-free materials such as titanium or 925 silver.

Are children's steel earrings safe?

Yes, children's earrings made of 316L surgical steel are safe for most children. They are low-nickel, durable, and affordable. Check out our children's jewelry in steel and silver for safe options.