I think it's ridiculous to pierce a child's ears when they're so young. They should be old enough to decide for themselves. I got mine done when I was very little. They were pierced wrong, at strange angles, and not even. Plus, I reacted badly to the material of the earrings, and had to deal with infected piercings for much of my young life.
Later, I decided to stretch them, and they are now 3/4". I got second piercings in each ear, both of which are 8g, then I got labret (was 8g, now retired) and septum (6g) piercings. This had nothing to do with getting my ears pierced at a young age, but it does mean that I have a strong opinion of it.
In most areas of the US, you can't get anything pierced at a piercing/tattoo parlor until you're 16. Why is that different with earrings? Because they use crappy materials, and GUNS?! You're so much better off going to a real piercer who will use an actual needle. And, therefore, you're better off waiting until you're old enough.
_________________
"Everything counts in large amounts."