Can Babies Wear Jewellery?

Baby jewellery is a topic that seemingly blends culture with fashion and tradition. But it does bring with it some safety concerns. If the wrong pieces are chosen, then it could pose a hazard to your little one. In this article, we’re going to be explaining the ins and outs of baby jewellery, alongside some safety tips and some suggestions for baby jewellery if you wish to buy a piece or two. 

Culture & tradition

Baby jewellery is more than just decoration in some cultures, as it carries meaning and sentimentality. For instance, when it comes to ear piercings, countries like India, parts of the Middle East, Latin America and Africa will pierce babies’ ears in a long-standing tradition. Ear piercings for babies are often performed for the following reasons:

• Cultural identity
• Religious beliefs
• Family customs
• Symbolic protection
• Celebratory milestones after birth

In all of the above cases, small gold studs will commonly be used because gold is considered to be both a pure and safe metal for babies and small children. Also, the stud style makes the earrings safer for babies and children to wear, thanks to their simplicity, such as their lack of hoops, decorative features and dangling pieces.

In addition, it’s common in Britain for babies and small children who have been Christened to present them with a Christening bangle, bracelet or necklace as a way to mark the occasion. Typically, Christening jewellery is engraved with special dates, names or letters, making it the ultimate sentimental gift that a family can keep for decades to come. 

Safety concerns: important things to note

Babies can wear jewellery, provided it’s safe for their skin, has no sharp edges, is securely fastened, and doesn’t have any stones or loose parts that could easily come away from the main body of the jewellery. When it comes to jewellery for babies, there are a number of safety factors that you need to be aware of, such as:

• Choking hazards – small jewellery items can break or loosen over time, creating a serious choking risk if the baby puts them in their mouth. Choose pieces that do not contain chains or stones 
• Strangulation risks – necklaces, anklets and bracelets with loose cords or chains can become dangerous if the baby catches them around their neck or limbs. Avoid loose chains, instead opting for bangles
• Skin irritations and allergies – babies have extremely sensitive, delicate skin. When non-hypoallergenic metals are chosen, it can lead to rashes, redness, and other allergic reactions. To avoid this, stick to sterling silver pieces
• Infection risks – this is the case for ear piercings, where the wounds aren’t properly cared for. Babies can also touch the area or irritate it accidentally
• Loss or injuries – loose jewellery can fall off and be easily swallowed or lost in their clothing, therefore posing a scratching risk

Types of jewellery for babies

When it comes to jewellery for babies, there are different options available to you. They’re all suitable for them to wear. From earrings to baby bangles, here are a few ideas when it comes to the types of jewellery that babies can safely wear, when supervised by an adult:

• Stud earrings – common earrings for babies to wear, these should be small, smooth, securely fastened, hypoallergenic, and the baby should always be supervised by an adult when wearing stud earrings
• Baby bangles – often used for celebrations and photo opportunities, baby bangles should be made from hypoallergenic material (like sterling silver) and be loose enough so as not to restrict circulation, be free from sharp edges and only be worn when supervised by an adult
• Keepsake jewellery – items like engraved baby bangles or pendants. They’re often kept as souvenirs by families after the baby has outgrown the bangle

Baby jewellery: things to avoid

When it comes to baby jewellery, there are a number of things that should be avoided. This is so as to ensure that it’s safe for your baby to wear jewellery. This includes avoiding certain jewellery types and styles, including things like:

• Necklaces with long chains or that are cord-based
• Rings, as they could be a choking hazard
• Heavy earrings, as they could come loose and become a choking hazard
• Loose charm bracelets, as they could come loose and become a choking hazard
• Any jewellery with small, detachable parts, as they could pose a choking hazard
• Cheap costume jewellery, as it’s likely made from unknown materials that aren’t safe for babies or their delicate skin

Baby jewellery tips for parents

If you’re thinking about buying jewellery for babies, then there are a few important things to consider. From prioritising safety to avoiding jewellery that dangles, and everything in between, here are some baby jewellery tips for parents:

• Prioritise safety over appearance
• Choose quality, hypoallergenic materials
• Avoid anything that dangles 
• Don’t buy jewellery that can come undone easily
• Regularly inspect jewellery for wear and tear
• Remove jewellery when sleeping, bathing or playing
• Supervise the child when they’re wearing jewellery

Little Star Jewellery is pleased to offer a wide selection of jewellery for babies, including Christening bangles. If you’d like further information about our baby bangles or our free engraving services, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.