How to start gauging ears?

What I did was get a taper & plug set, 18g- 4g. I got it on ebay for like 30 bucks. I waited 4-6 weeks before stretching each size. If you just got your ears pierced Id wait 2 months before stretching. * gauge is usually the first size they have tunnels for but they are teeny tiny and hard to find gauges for, I would go to at least a 4g. Im at 00g now. Also when stretching, use lotion (unscented) to upsize. It makes it go in a lot easier. But wait at least 4 weeks to upsize so you dont have a blow out.