The best ear piercing places in Chicago for kids need to be gentle and hygienic, of course, but many kids and parents have other criteria on their list as well. Do they want to have both ears pierced at once so they don't chicken out between piercings? Would you prefer the more professional setting of a doctor's office, the fun feel of a jewelry store, or the edgy vibe of a tattoo parlor? How important is the selection of jewelry available?

We recommend picking a place certified by the Association of Professional Piercers. And make sure the child has received a DTAP vaccination, which is required before a piercing by Illinois state law. Some of the piercers on our list will only pierce children over the age of 6 or 8. Others will pierce infants or children over the 5, but not preschoolers. Make sure you check before making your appointment.