Which earrings should you choose for a child’s first ear piercing?

Why first earrings are different from “later” jewelry

A fresh piercing is a small wound. At the beginning, the priority is minimizing irritation and reducing the risk of snagging. That is why first earrings should be:

• sterile and designed specifically for piercings,
• light and smooth,
• stable (the back should not press into the skin, but also should not move loosely),
• selected to account for the body’s natural tissue response after the procedure.

If you want to understand the differences between piercing methods and why a medical system matters, see: [children’s ear piercing method - Inverness Med - link].

Material - what to choose for the first piercing

At Gentle Piercing, we sell and apply earrings made from:

• titanium,
• medical-grade steel,
• medical-grade steel coated with 24K gold,
• niobium.

These are materials used in jewelry intended for direct skin contact. However, they differ in tolerance, weight, and how they behave during everyday wear.

Titanium - the most common “no-compromise” choice

Titanium is widely chosen for fresh piercings because it is usually very well tolerated, especially by sensitive skin. It is a good option if:

• the child tends to experience irritation,
• parents want to minimize the risk of contact reactions,
• you want the most neutral and “safe” start possible.

Niobium - an alternative to titanium

Niobium is sometimes chosen by people who tolerate titanium well but want a different finish or prefer a specific aesthetic. It is lightweight and often well tolerated. If you are considering niobium, ask the studio which models are available in cartridges.

Medical-grade steel - when there is no history of allergic reactions

Medical-grade steel is widely used in piercing jewelry, but when there is known sensitivity to certain metals, parents more often choose titanium or niobium. If a child has never had contact reactions, medical-grade steel can be a good choice - provided it is a certified earring designed for fresh piercings (not random jewelry of unknown origin).

Medical-grade steel with 24K gold coating - aesthetics with the right base

In this option, the base is medical-grade steel, while the 24K gold is a decorative coating. This distinction matters. This choice makes sense if:

• you want a gold look from day one,
• you choose a sterile model designed specifically for piercings,
• the child has no history of strong contact reactions.

If you want a deeper comparison of materials and how to match them to skin sensitivity, see: [titanium vs medical steel vs niobium - what to choose for a child - link].

Shape and size - what is practical for a child

The best models for a first piercing are small, simple shapes:

• mini balls,
• small crystals,
• minimalist hearts or stars without sharp edges.

At the beginning, it is best to avoid:

• dangling elements,
• large decorations that extend beyond the earlobe,
• models that easily catch on hats, scarves, or hair.

Children often touch their ears reflexively. The less the earring “sticks out,” the lower the risk of accidental snagging and micro-injuries.

The backing - the most common cause of discomfort when chosen incorrectly

Parents usually focus on the front of the earring, while problems often occur at the back. The backing should:

• stabilize the earring,
• not dig into the skin,
• allow for slight swelling after piercing.

In the Inverness Med system, backings are designed specifically for fresh piercings and are applied in a sterile process. This is one of the key differences compared to jewelry put on “by hand” after piercing.

If you are interested in pain and comfort, see: [does ear piercing hurt - link].

Number of options matters - but only within medical standards

A common mistake is buying earrings in advance “because they look nice.” The problem is that most such models are not intended for fresh piercings, are not sterile, and have backings that may press into the skin.

At Gentle Piercing, the approach is different. On site, you can choose from over 30 models, but all of them are:

• certified (Inverness Med),
• sterile (sealed in cartridges),
• designed for the first healing stage.

This gives you freedom of choice without the risk of aesthetics winning over practicality.

When can the first earrings be changed?

The timing depends on the piercing location and how healing progresses:

• earlobe - most often after about 1 month,
• cartilage - usually after 2-3 months.

These are practical time frames. If redness, soreness, or frequent snagging occurs, changing earrings may require consultation.

Detailed aftercare instructions and warning signs are described here: [aftercare for a child’s ear piercing - link].

Quick checklist for choosing earrings for a first piercing

Choose earrings that are:

• certified for piercings and sterile,
• made from titanium, niobium, medical-grade steel, or medical-grade steel with 24K gold coating,
• small, light, and smooth,
• without dangling elements,
• fitted with a medical backing that does not press into the skin.

If you are unsure what to choose, the safest option is to start with titanium or niobium and change the style later once the piercing has stabilized.

At Gentle Piercing in Warsaw, we pierce ears for children and adults exclusively using the medical Inverness Med system - not a gun. We use single-use sterile cartridges and only certified Inverness Med earrings. Before the procedure, parents and children can choose earrings on site - we always have more than 30 options (different shapes and finishes), all suitable for fresh piercings.

FAQ - most common questions from parents

Can I bring my own earrings for the first piercing?

We do not recommend this. First earrings must be sterile and applied during the piercing procedure itself. At Gentle Piercing, we use only certified Inverness Med earrings in single-use cartridges.

How many earring designs can I choose from on site?

Usually, there are more than 30 models available. This allows you to choose a design for your child without compromising medical requirements.

What is better to start with - titanium or medical-grade steel?

Titanium is often chosen for sensitive skin, while medical-grade steel can be a good option if there is no history of contact reactions. The most important thing is that the earring is certified and sterile.

Is medical-grade steel with 24K gold coating suitable for a child?

Yes, as long as it is a sterile earring designed specifically for piercings. Remember that the base is medical-grade steel, while the gold is only a coating.

When can earrings be changed in the earlobe?

Most often after about 1 month, if healing is progressing normally.

And when can earrings be changed in cartilage?

Usually after 2-3 months. Cartilage heals more slowly than the earlobe, so this stage should not be rushed.