I'm always excited when Lily comes to me to do things with her that are culturally mom-stuff, like cutting her hair or buying clothes. I'm pretty sure she knows and does it on purpose, taking advantage of some lee way that my excitement gives her. Still within the tolerable - definitely better than the adult-clothes-made-short that her mom's family gives her sometimes (and who magically disappear quickly when brought to my place).
In Ecuador, ears get pierced almost directly after birth. No chance of weighing in for the baby. Lily had the chance, but we needed two attempts - the first time, her mom didn't follow the cleaning procedures and so on, and something painful happened so Lily didn't want them anymore. The second time around both of them had learned their lesson and now she's very happy with her earrings and stuff.
I love clothes shopping for women in general. I am glad I don't have a boy! Though I understand the inappropriate kids clothes these days - it is getting pretty silly. We dress Smallsteps like a kid. Her "good clothes" are still demure.
I think a lot of cultures are the same. I wonder if doing it young means that they are less likely to be level or straight?
I'm not sure, I haven't paid much attention to that. As long as the holes a re centered, I doubt it makes much of a difference. The first years it's just a little spot earring anyway, the bigger stuff comes later.