Whether you’re looking to replace your baby’s first earrings with something new or your tween is begging you to get them some flashy diamond studs, there are extra factors to bear in mind when shopping for earrings for kids.
After all, cute designs are all well and good but it’s far more important to seek out hypoallergenic earrings made with kid-friendly features in mind than it is to worry about what color or shape they are. But with the right tips to help guide you, checking all these boxes is a lot easier than it sounds.
Ready to adorn your child’s ears in style without compromising on safety or comfort? Then check out these tips to find the best kids’ earrings around!
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1. Make Sure They’re Earrings for Kids
First and foremost, earrings for children – and especially those made for babies – are much smaller than adult earrings. As such, you’ll need to make sure that you’re buying earrings made for kids and not adults.
Not only would adult earrings not fit your child’s small ears, but the materials might not be suitable and the design wouldn’t include the extra safety measures that are necessary for kids’ earrings. By all means, buy them adult earrings when they’re done growing and are responsible and careful enough to care for themselves and their jewelry. But for now, stick to earrings made for their age group.
2. Stick to Hypoallergenic Materials
As mentioned above, the material of your children’s earrings is a key factor since body pierce jewelry like earrings can cause discomfort and infection if they’re not made from certain types and grades of metal.
The best hypoallergenic earrings for kids are made from 925 sterling silver, yellow gold, surgical stainless steel, or titanium. Or, another option is 14k white gold, although this is only suitable for children over a year old as it contains nickel.
It’s often easier to find cute earrings for kids in silver and gold than it is in titanium or surgical steel, but always stick to at least 14k when buying gold earrings for kids, or 18k if your child has very sensitive skin.
3. Opt for Covered Screw Backs
Most adult earrings come with butterfly backs. But you’ll find that kids’ earrings often come with screw backs for added safety. Unlike butterfly backs which slot in place, the screw back design allows you to twist the back onto the earring post to keep both the back and the earring secure and in place.
That said, make sure to go for covered screw backs. Some screw backs screw into place but leave the end of the earring post exposed, causing unnecessary discomfort for small children. Covered screw backs, in contrast, cover the end of the post with a smooth sphere-shaped back, much like the ones used for body piercings for extra comfort and safety.
4. Avoid Hoops for Small Children
You might think that going for hoops instead of stud earrings is one way to avoid the hassle of earring backs altogether. But, while close-fitting huggie hoops can be suitable for older children, they’re not a smart choice for young children and babies.
Most jewelry-buying guides for small children recommend avoiding even tiny hoops as these can easily get tangled in small fingers, bedding, clothing, or hair. Hoops are also much easier for siblings and other children to get hold of and pull off, which could cause serious and permanent damage to your child’s earlobe.
If it’s for photos or a special occasion when you can supervise them at all times, tight-fitting huggie hoops made especially for babies are an option. But as a rule, it’s usually best to stick to studs until your child is around six years old.
5. Choose a Lightweight, Comfortable Fit
Hoops are also considered unsuitable for children because they tend to weigh down on the lobes more. Studs, in contrast, are very small and lightweight, making them a more comfortable option for young children.
To get an even more comfortable fit, pay careful attention to the size of the earring posts as these should be shorter than posts designed for adults. Or, if you do decide to go for huggie hoops, make sure that they hug the earlobe as they’re meant to for a safer and more comfortable fit.
6. Steer Clear of Stones and Breakable Parts
Birthstone huggie hoops, elaborate stud designs, and diamond earrings for kids are all great for creating a more personalized and unique look. That said, it’s best to avoid earrings with dangling parts or stones for small children as these are easier to lose or break and might pose a choking risk.
Instead, we’d recommend sticking to smooth huggie hoops or simple studs in shapes such as circles, triangles, and hearts without any stone detailing. You can always engrave them with your child’s name or initials if you want to personalize their look.
7. Replace Your Child’s Earrings as They Grow
Whether you choose delicate studs or neat huggie hoops, going for a secure fit means that you’ll need to check that your child’s earrings are still comfortable as they grow.
For example, 1/8″ and 3/16″ are tiny options for huggie hoops that are compatible with babies up to around a year old. But for toddlers and young girls, you’ll need to move up a size or two to accommodate their growing ears. Likewise, earrings with very short posts might be more comfortable and secure for babies. But such short posts will start to become too tight as your child grows so you’ll need to keep an eye on the fit and change it when necessary.
Your Guide to Buying Earrings for Kid Boys and Girls
As these tips for buying earrings for kids show, there are a lot more factors to consider than how cute your child’s earrings look.
Luckily, online shopping has made it a lot easier to find specific options that suit your preferences and your child’s needs, ensuring a stylish and comfortable fit that stays secure no matter what your child gets up to. Check out Francesca Jewellery’s dainty earrings for great designs and choices.
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