For a 3-year-old, the experience is as much about managing fear as it is about physical pain. Many parents find home-visit piercing services (such as those offered by hospitals or trusted local jewelers) helpful because the child is in a familiar environment. Numbing creams can reduce the sting of the piercing itself, but many children are more startled by the loud sound of the piercing gun than the procedure. Choosing a calm, experienced professional can make a significant difference in keeping your child relaxed.