I surveyed ten babies on whether or not they'd like their ears pierced, and not one of them had any comment on the matter.

For that reason, parents should consider waiting before committing their children to something they may not want later. Most people like to make their own decisions when it comes to body modification, but babies can't even talk let alone possess the reasoning skills to make a decision on getting pierced. Not giving a person any choice about ear piercing suggests that earrings on a baby are purely for aesthetic value in terms of parental entertainment.

Babies have a way of growing into children and teens who later hold their parents accountable for every decision made on their behalf. Adding pierced ears to the mix makes one more item to explain on the list of parenting.

I haven't heard of many people who regret not having their ears pierced when they were babies. Conversely, I do know a few adults who wish they'd never been pierced even though it was their own choice as a child. Pierced ears can become a burden later in life when earlobe holes are stretched beyond their capacity to safely hold earrings. The only recourse is having surgery to close the holes permanently.

Culturally speaking, Italian and Hispanic tradition holds that baby girls have their ears pierced for the simple reason that they are female. It is without question that this practice is acceptable and respectable within those cultures. In fact, for some, it's considered taboo not to pierce a baby girl's ears. However, it doesn't eliminate the fact that the babies are not given a choice.

I come from parents who waited until I could voice my own opinion about getting my ears pierced. As it turned out, I did get my ears pierced when I was 12 and if I had it to do over again, I'd probably decline.

Come to think of it, I have often asked my parents, "Why'd you let me get my ears pierced?"

Now that I'm all grown up, I find earrings a hassle, I don't have time to hunt for backings or a matching pair in my mess of a "jewelry box," and most all, I'm too active to feel comfortable in hoop or dangling earrings. I'm always afraid they will get accidentally rip out.

I guess you could say I'm just being a big baby about it, but at least I was given a choice. 

There are plenty of decisions parents have to make on behalf of their babies. Ear-piercing isn't one of them. If there is a significant reason for the practice of piercing a baby girl's ears, I'd like to know about it.

Until then, I'll try not to get that odd feeling that creeps up on me when I see an infant wearing earrings.