New parents quickly learn that nail trimming is non negotiable. Those new nails are as sharp as they are adorable. But they can hurt both baby and parents as those little hands begin to explore their new world. The ability to grow lengthy nails carries through toddlerhood, where the concern for safety when interacting with others remains. Long nails on toddlers also creates a ripe environment for harboring dirt and germs. Given their rapid rate of growth, baby and toddler nails grow at an envious speed. So you will get much use out of your baby nail clipper. Here’s how I trim baby and toddler nails with no tears from either party!

Why is trimming toddler and baby nails so concerning?

Parents are often fearful that they may hurt their babies by unintentionally clipping that super soft baby skin. Babies and toddlers can be fidgety. Sudden movements, sharp edges and the application of pressure to the sharp edges all heighten what is truly a mundane part of an adult’s day. Because I want to give my baby lot’s of opportunity to freely use her hands I do not use those little baby gloves. Here’s what worked for me…

Filing Down the Nail

In the very early stages, newborn to about 3 months, I don’t use clippers. I file down the nails to take the edge off. Newborn nails seem to almost be fused with the skin surrounding it so it can be pretty tricky to use clippers. Their nails are so soft and delicate that filing them down takes no time at all.

I prefer to file down with emery boards rather than nail files. Nail files tend to have a pointed end which adds an element of unnecessary risk.

It is so helpful to allow little hands to explore any tools and devices that we need to use on their bodies. They tend to be less fearful and more agreeable once they’ve given things a once over. The rounded edges of the emery board allows her to hold onto the board without concerns for her safety. One emery board can be used effectively multiple times.

Nail buffers are a good alternative but they tend to be bulky and therefore hard to manipulate on tiny fingers.

Transitioning to Nail Clippers

Around 3 months old, there is enough of a distinction between the skin and nails that I feel comfortable using nail clippers to trim baby nails. But you can certainly continue to use the emery board if that works well for you. Just as with emery boards it seems to help to have the baby interact with the clippers. I’ve always used Safety First Fold Up Nail Clippers. The design is comfortable and it provides a steady grip to avoid any slipping while being used.

I let my baby hold and mouth (if she chooses to) the bulky end of the clippers. Then I hold it away from her and clip the air. When I clip the air I also say “clip!” This always seems to garner a smile. When I clip her actual nails I make this clip sound as well.

For my toddlers, we play a game of “Feed the Metal Crocodile”. This hungry crocodile is a very vocal eater, instead of “clip!” I say “nom nom nom” as a clip away. They giggle away as I clip away and they always offer up their toe nails. The Crocodile also loves to describe the taste of the nails…

Use foods that they actually had that day and also try some foods you know they haven’t had. Try ridiculous things that aren’t even foods, like shoes and sweaters. Trimming toddler nails can actually become such a fun moment that you guys share and even look forward to! Before you know it, when you ask if their nails need to be trimmed they will respond with a resounding, YES!!

How I Hold my Child While Trimming Nails

While trimming baby nails, I hold them so that they are sitting on my lap with their backs resting against my belly. This gives them a birds eye view of the action. Keep the arm of the hand with nails not being clipped tucked under one of your arms (see illustration below) to prevent the risk of baby lunging for clippers while they are being used.

I hope you’ve found atleast one gem that will make trimming your baby or toddler’s nails less daunting and more fun. Share what’s worked for you in the comments!

Tools Used

• Emery Boards
  • https://a.co/d/hZhNQNr I’ve always used these emery boards on my babies. The come with 10 in a pack which is more than enough for the duration that you will need them.
• Nail Buffers
  • https://a.co/d/5uzNfuN These buffer blocks are a good alternative but they tend to be bulky and can be hard to manipulate in little fingers
• Nail Clippers
  • https://a.co/d/hpOa04O I’ve used the same clipper for over 4 years now and I actually use them to clip my own nails!