How to Clean Baby Ear Piercings: Step-by-Step Aftercare and Healing Tips
- Samantha Pieterse
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
If your little one has just had their ears pierced, the next step is keeping those tiny earlobes healthy while they heal. Most baby ear piercings heal well without any issues, but when complications do occur, they’re almost always linked to inadequate cleaning or a bit too much touching.
A small amount of redness is expected in the first day or two. What we want to focus on is what should and shouldn’t happen as the piercing heals, because babies naturally touch their ears throughout the day. This brings bacteria to the area and increases the risk of irritation or infection if the piercing isn’t cleaned properly.
Fortunately, ear piercing aftercare is simple and only takes a few minutes. With consistent cleaning and a little awareness of how healing should look, most piercings recover quickly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you keep the piercing clean and healing as it should.
💎 If you’re still deciding on the best age for piercing or want to understand the risks and cultural considerations, first read our guide on Baby Ear Piercing: The Best Age & Other Things Parents Should Know.
Baby Ear Piercing Healing Stages: What to Expect in the First Weeks
Before you begin the daily cleaning routine, it helps to know what the healing process looks like in those first few weeks. A new ear piercing is a controlled skin injury, and the body responds the same way it would to any small wound, by moving through predictable healing stages.
The First 24–48 Hours of Baby Ear Piercing Healing
During the early hours and days, mild redness, warmth, and a bit of swelling are expected as the body increases blood flow to start healing. Some babies may flinch when the area is touched, but they shouldn’t seem generally uncomfortable. These early symptoms should remain stable or begin to improve, not intensify.
Days 3–7 of Baby Ear Piercing Healing
By day three, you may notice light crusting around the front or back of the earring. This is dried lymph fluid, which is normal and not a sign of infection. Redness should begin to fade, and the area should look gradually better. Any swelling from the initial piercing should also begin to subside during this period.
Days 7–14 of Baby Ear Piercing Healing
After the first week, crusting should disappear, and the earlobe should look more settled overall. The piercing may still be slightly tender, especially if it’s rubbed or caught on clothing, but it shouldn’t become increasingly red or swollen. This is a steady-healing stage where things move in the right direction day by day.
Weeks 2–6 of Baby Ear Piercing Healing
Between weeks two and six, the piercing should begin to form a skin-lined tract under the surface. The area should look normal with minimal crusting and reduced sensitivity. By this stage, new swelling or worsening redness is not expected. The healing process now focuses on strengthening the channel so the earring can sit comfortably long-term.
What Should Not Happen During Healing
Redness that spreads
Swelling that worsens rather than subsides
A firm lump that increases in size
Thick yellow discharge, bad odour, or persistent moisture
Increased tenderness when gently touched
The backing pressing into or disappearing into the skin
These changes suggest the piercing isn’t healing as expected and may need medical attention. With that in mind, you can move on to the cleaning routine, the part that helps keep healing on track.
If you’re not certain whether the piercing is healing normally, you can book a minor illness consultation at our clinic in Centurion, and we’ll have a quick look for you.
How to Clean Your Baby’s Ear Piercing
As I said earlier, a consistent cleaning routine is the most effective way to support healing and prevent infection. The goal is to provide gentle wound care, nothing harsh. We just want consistent hygiene that lets the skin recover without disruption.
Before you begin, make sure you have the right supplies and know exactly what each step involves.
What You’ll Need to Clean a Baby's Ear Piercing
Before cleaning, gather the basics:
Cotton pads or clean gauze
Saline solution or salt water made from clean or boiled water
Clean hands (truly the most important “tool”)
A cooperative baby, which is optional but helpful
How to Clean a Baby's Ear Piercing: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Wash your hands thoroughly
Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This reduces the bacteria that can transfer to the piercing.
2. Moisten a cotton pad or gauze with saline or salt water
Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and surgical spirits as they dry the skin and slow healing.
3. Clean the front of the piercing
Gently wipe around the stud and earlobe to remove any crusting. Soft pressure is enough. There's no need to scrub the area.
4. Clean the back of the piercing
Do the same behind the lobe. This is the place most likely to collect debris and germs.
5. Rotate only if recommended
Some piercers advise minimal rotation during cleaning, and others recommend none. If rotation is advised, do a small half-turn only while the area is moist with saline to avoid skin tearing.
6. Repeat this routine twice daily
Morning and evening cleaning is usually enough for healthy healing.
What to Avoid While a Baby's Ear Piercing Heals
As your baby’s ears heal, some everyday habits and home remedies can unintentionally slow recovery or cause irritation. Knowing what to avoid reduces the chance of infection or discomfort. Here are the main things to keep in mind during the first few weeks.
Avoid Alcohol, Peroxide, and Surgical Spirits on Baby Ear Piercings
These products are often used for general wound cleaning, but they’re too harsh for healing piercings. Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and surgical spirits break down new epithelial cells, the cells your baby’s body is trying to build to form the piercing channel. This slows healing, increases dryness and cracking, and can make the area more vulnerable to irritation. Saline (or clean salt water) is preferred because it cleans without disrupting the healing tissue.
Avoid Touching or Twisting Your Baby’s Earrings Throughout the Day
Once the cleaning routine is done, the earrings should be left alone. Excessive touching introduces bacteria, and repeated twisting can cause small tears within the piercing tract, thereby restarting the healing process each time. These micro-injuries can also increase the risk of developing bumps or inflamed tissue. If your piercer has advised gentle rotation, it should be performed only during cleaning, while the skin is moist, never on dry tissue.
Your Baby Should Avoid Swimming for at Least Two Weeks After an Ear Piercing
Babies' immune systems are still developing, and swimming pools, hot tubs, rivers, and oceans carry a mix of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These can easily enter a fresh piercing and cause infections that progress quickly. Even well-maintained pools contain chlorine, which can irritate the healing skin and delay recovery. A dry healing environment is safest in the early weeks.
Avoid Removing Your Babys Earring Too Soon After the Piercing
The piercing hole begins to close surprisingly quickly, especially in infants, whose skin regenerates rapidly. Removing the earring before the tract is fully formed can allow the outer skin to close while the underlying tissue continues to heal. If there’s any irritation or early infection present, this can trap bacteria inside, worsening the problem. Keeping the starter earrings in place for the full recommended healing period helps the tract form evenly and reduces complications.
If you’re feeling unsure or if something doesn’t look normal to you, you’re welcome to contact us for guidance on caring for ear piercings. We’re always happy to help.
How to Tell If Your Baby’s Ear Piercing Is Infected
A little redness in the first day or two is part of normal healing, but the area should slowly improve with each passing day. When symptoms worsen rather than improve, it may indicate that bacteria have entered the piercing tract.
Infections in babies can progress more quickly than in older children because their skin is thinner and their immune systems are still developing. This is why changes in colour, swelling, or discharge are worth paying attention to.
Seek help if you notice any of the following:
Redness that’s spreading
If the redness moves beyond the immediate piercing site or starts forming a larger patch around the earlobe.
Swelling that worsens instead of settling
Early swelling is normal, but increasing puffiness, warmth, or firmness is not.
Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Clear crusting is normal healing fluid. Thick discharge or an odour suggests infection.
Pus-filled bumps
These usually indicate a localised infection or trapped irritation.
Baby tugging and crying when the ear is touched
Increased sensitivity or pain is a reliable early sign of inflammation.
Fever
And remember, any fever in a baby under 3 months should be checked urgently, whether or not it’s linked to the piercing.
Most infections respond well when treated early, so if you’re ever unsure whether what you’re seeing is normal, it’s perfectly appropriate to have your clinic assess it. Parents often notice subtle changes long before they become apparent. Trusting your instincts helps us catch problems early.
💧If your baby is feeding less or seems more tired than usual while the piercing is healing, keep an eye on hydration. You can read our guide on Dehydration in Babies and Children for early signs to watch for.
When a Baby's Ear Piercing Needs Medical Attention
Most mild irritation settles with consistent cleaning, but some signs suggest the piercing needs medical attention. You don’t need to wait for severe symptoms. Early assessment often prevents a small issue from becoming a bigger one.
Get your baby reviewed if:
Swelling isn’t improving after 48 hours of proper cleaning
Healing should trend steadily in the right direction. If it doesn’t, the area may be struggling to recover.
There is thick, persistent discharge
Especially if it’s yellow, green, or has an odour.
The earring backing looks like it’s pressing into or disappearing into the skin
This can happen quickly in babies and needs prompt care to prevent embedding.
Your baby seems unusually uncomfortable
Increased sensitivity, difficulty sleeping, or crying when the ear is touched can signal inflammation.
You’re feeling uneasy about how the piercing looks
Parental instinct is often accurate, and it’s always appropriate to ask for a review.
🩺 If you’re not sure whether what you're seeing is part of normal healing or something that needs attention, our Minor Illness resources can help you understand common symptoms and when to check in.
Extra Tips to Help Your Baby’s Ear Piercing Heal
While cleaning plays the most significant role in helping a new piercing heal, it isn’t the only factor that matters. The type of earrings you choose, how they fit, and what comes into contact with your baby’s ears each day can all influence how comfortably the piercing settles. Keeping these points in mind can make healing smoother and help prevent avoidable irritation.
Use Hypoallergenic Earrings for Your Baby’s Ear Piercing
Starter earrings should always be made from materials that minimise the risk of contact dermatitis. Stainless steel, titanium, and 14k gold are well-tolerated because they contain very low levels of nickel. Nickel sensitivity is common in children, and reactions can cause itching, redness, weeping skin, or small rashes around the piercing. Hypoallergenic metals reduce this risk and support a calmer, cleaner healing environment.
Check the Earring Backs Daily to Protect the Piercing
A quick visual check each day helps prevent complications like embedding. The backing should sit comfortably behind the earlobe, leaving a small amount of space for the skin to breathe. If it sits too tightly, the earlobe can swell over the backing, something that often requires professional removal. On the other hand, if the backing is too loose, it may fall off, and the earring can shift or irritate the skin. A gentle daily check keeps things safe.
Dress Your Baby in Soft, Low-Friction Fabrics to Avoid Piercing Irritation
Rough or textured fabrics can catch on earrings, which may pull on the lobe or cause micro-tears around the piercing. Cotton and other soft fabrics are kinder on healing skin. Also, be mindful of sleep sacks, swaddles, and blankets that may rub against the ears. Even light friction can cause unnecessary irritation in the early weeks.
Be Cautious With Hats and Headbands Around Baby Ear Piercings
Items that sit close to the ears can trap moisture, introduce bacteria, or tug at the earrings. If your baby wears hats, choose ones that fit loosely around the ears and avoid those with thick seams or tight elastic. Headbands should sit higher on the head whenever possible. Repeated pressure on the earrings increases the risk of irritation or minor injury.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Baby Ear Piercings Healthy
With the right routine, baby ear piercings usually heal without any difficulty. Consistent, gentle cleaning supports the body’s natural healing process and helps prevent irritation or infection. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just gentle care and a quick check each day to make sure everything looks calm and comfortable.
Healing should progress predictably, with the area gradually becoming less red, less sensitive, and more back to normal over the weeks. If something changes or doesn’t look quite right, early guidance makes a big difference. Parents often notice subtle issues long before they become problematic, and seeking support is always encouraged.
If you’d like us to check the piercing or you’re worried about how it’s healing, you can book online for an appointment at Mums & Bums Rooihuiskraal.
Quick FAQs on Baby Ear Piercing Healing
How often should I clean my baby’s ear piercing?
Clean the piercing twice daily with saline (or clean salt water) for the entire 6–8-week healing period. Cleaning more often can irritate the skin, and cleaning less often increases the risk of infection. Babies touch their ears often, so keeping a consistent routine is the best way to support healing.
What should I use to clean a baby's ear piercing?
Only use saline solution (or clean salt water). It gently removes debris without damaging new healing tissue. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and surgical spirits. These products dry out the skin, delay healing, and can cause cracking or irritation around the piercing site.
How long does a baby's ear piercing take to heal?
Most baby ear piercings heal in 6–8 weeks, although some may take closer to 10–12 weeks, especially if the area is touched often or if the skin is naturally sensitive. You should keep the starter earrings in for the full recommended period to allow the channel to form properly.
How can I tell if my baby’s ear piercing is infected?
Early warning signs include spreading redness, new or worsening swelling, warmth, increasing tenderness, or yellow/green discharge. A bad smell or a firm, enlarging lump can also indicate infection. If your baby seems uncomfortable when the ear is touched or develops a fever, the piercing needs to be checked.
Should I rotate my baby’s earrings after piercing their ears?
Rotate the earrings only if your piercer specifically advised it. If rotation is recommended, do it once during cleaning, and only while the skin is moist with saline. Twisting earrings throughout the day can tear the healing skin and slow the recovery process.
Can my baby swim with a new ear piercing?
Swimming should be avoided for at least two weeks, sometimes longer. Pools, oceans, and even bathwater contain bacteria that can enter the piercing before the skin has sealed, increasing the risk of infection.
When can I change my baby’s earrings?
You can change the earrings once the piercing has fully healed, usually at 6–8 weeks, but sometimes up to 12 weeks. Changing them too early can cause the hole to close or trap irritation inside the tract.
Is it normal for a baby ear piercing to crust?
Yes. Light, clear-to-yellow crusting is part of normal healing. It’s dried lymph fluid, not pus, and should slowly lessen over the first two weeks. Thick, persistent, or foul-smelling crusting is not normal and should be evaluated.
Should I worry if my baby keeps touching their ear after having it pierced?
Some touching is normal, especially when the piercing feels new. But frequent rubbing or pulling can irritate the skin. Keeping hands clean and checking the earring backs daily can reduce problems. If your baby seems unusually sensitive or upset when the ear is touched, have it assessed.
When should I get help for a baby's ear piercing?
If swelling worsens after 48 hours, if the backing looks like it’s pressing into the skin, or if you notice thick discharge, it’s time for a review. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, you’re welcome to book a minor illness consultation at Mums & Bums Clinic for a quick check.
