There are few things more precious than newborn fingers and toes. However, the thought of using nail clippers on those tiny hands may make your heart race. If so, you’re not alone!
Parents of newborns soon realize how quickly their fingernails grow. Not only do the fingernails inadvertently scratch you, but babies often scratch themselves, especially since they love bringing their hands to their faces during those first few weeks. Ouch!
We have some helpful, stress-free tips on how to safely trim your infant’s nails without causing harm.
Get the Right Tools
There are three types of tools available for trimming a baby’s nails: traditional clippers, electric filers, or scissors. They all get the job done, but some methods are faster and more discreet. Whichever you choose is a matter of personal preference. Below are some of our favorite clippers, motorized filers, and scissors.
Safety 1st Light Zoom Nail Clippers
The Safety 1st Light Zoom Nail Clippers has a lot of great features that will put your mind at ease while cutting your baby’s nails.
These clippers have curved edges, and a mini nail file, perfect for tiny fingers. They also include a magnifying glass for better visualization, and precise nail trimming.
As an added bonus, the Safety 1st Light Zoom has a built-in LED light at the base to help you see while cutting a sleeping baby’s fingernails in a dark room. The easy-grip handle helps parents feel confident (even if you are nervous and have sweaty hands)!
NailFrida The SnipperClipper Set by Fridababy
The NailFrida SnipperClipper Set by Fridababy is a baby registry favorite.
You can say goodbye to accidental skin nicks with nail clippers from this parent-favorite baby brand. The Fridababy SnipperClipper Set has curved, overlapping blades for safe snipping. It also includes a patented spy hole to allow parents to see exactly where they are cutting.
The kit has a curved, S-shape nail file to smooth jagged edges. This shape easily aligns with the contours of a baby’s nails for a smooth finish. You can use the SnipperClipper Set for both infants and toddlers.
Royal Angels Baby Electric Nail Trimmer 20 in 1 Value Set
Nail trimming is fool proof with the Royal Angels Baby Electric Nail Trimmer 20 in 1 Value Set.
The kit includes the main unit, a storage and travel case, and several filing attachments. Unlike other options, the Royal Angels Baby Electric Nail Trimmer can be used by the whole family. It comes with 6 filing attachments for babies, and 4 for adults, including a special tool for adult callus removal. It also includes 8 adhesive replacement emery pads (6 for baby, 2 for adults).
The filing pads are effective, but soft enough that they will not irritate baby’s sensitive nailbeds and fingertips. The device also aims an LED light at the fingernails for better visualization.
This trimmer requires two AA batteries. Its motor is fairly quiet, so it won’t wake your baby from his or her sleep. However, cutting nails with this device will still be a bit louder than a traditional nail clipper.
This is my preferred method for cutting my baby’s nails because I know I will not hurt her or accidentally nick her skin. Because it files rather than cuts the fingernails, it does take a little bit longer than a traditional infant nail clipper.
You can see all our favorite baby nail files in this comprehensive article.
Simba Baby Safety Scissors
The Simba Baby Safety Scissors is the fastest, most straightforward way to cut an infant’s nails.
The tip of the scissors is rounded for safety, and the short thin blade makes it easy to maneuver at all angles. It is best to cut your infant’s nails straight across, then use a nail file to smooth out the sharp edges.
Scissors tend to be a bit easier for parents to hold during the trimming than clippers or motorized filers.
YIVEKO 4-in-1 Baby Nail Care Set
If you can’t decide whether or not scissors or clippers would be best, get both with the YIVEKO 4-in-1 Baby Nail Care Set.
This grooming kit includes baby nail clippers, non-slip-handled baby scissors, soft-tipped tweezers, and a glass nail file. It also comes in an adorable case to keep you organized, and that babies can hold with their free hand as a distraction.
The tweezers are especially helpful for plucking hangnails, and the nail file is delicate enough to use on small fingers and toes. The clippers are designed with an ergonomic handle, and curved, overlapping blades made specifically for use on infants. The scissor blades are small, but the non-slip handle has large holes for adult fingers.
The entire kit is free of toxic and harsh chemicals.
Steps to Follow When Cutting Baby’s Nails
- Hold your baby’s finger by pressing the fingertip pad down and away from the nail.
- Cut or file along the natural curve of the fingernail.
- Don’t cut or file too much at a time.
- When using clippers or scissors, cut nails straight across, then file edges as needed.
The Best Times to Cut Baby’s Nails
When Baby is Asleep
The easiest time to cut an infant’s nails will be during naps and bed time. This is why many baby nail products come with LED lights attached to help parents see what they are doing in the darkness.
However, younger infants are more likely to sleep through the nail trimming because they experience longer periods deep sleep (source). As babies get older, even the slightest change in their sleep environment can startle them awake.
Consider infant scissors or traditional clippers when trying to manicure nails while your baby sleeps. They are not only quieter, but also faster. This ensures that you will finish the job quickly, and without waking baby from his or her slumber!
When Baby is Distracted
If you need to quickly remove a torn nail and baby is awake, you can still successfully clip the nails so long as you have a distraction.
Since you will need two hands to safely cut baby’s nails, enlist a helper to hold up baby’s favorite toy or to read a book. This should keep baby entertained long enough for you to cut his or her nails.
And remember, you don’t have to tackle all ten fingers and toes in one sitting. It is perfectly okay to trim nails on a finger or two, then take a break for both of your sakes. It is not a secret that babies cannot sit still for very long. In fact, experts say the average infant or toddler can only sit still for 5 minutes or so. It is unreasonable to expect them to sit still throughout an entire manicure!
When Baby is Watching TV
Now, this one may be a bit controversial. But, in my household, it is the only way to get our toddler to sit long enough for us to trim her nails.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the majority of pediatricians recommend that television and media should be avoided under 18 months of age. An exception to this recommendation is the use of electronic devices for video chat sessions which fosters communication skills (source). Their research has shown that screen viewing prior to 18 months can have detrimental effects on language development, reading skills, short-term memory, sleep habits, and attention spans. Yikes!
In addition, any time spent watching TV reduces interactions with people, toys, and books which is how infants truly learn about the world around them.
That said, many parents find it helpful to turn on a few minutes of an age-appropriate video, just as a distraction during nail trimming. This is especially helpful when you are alone, and do not have a helper to distract your little one with toys or books.
If letting your toddler watch a video is your preferred method for getting the job done, no shame! Turning on Peppa Pig or Baby Shark for less than 5 minutes in order to safely cut your baby’s nails is different from letting them “zone out” for an entire episode.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says screen time should be capped at an hour for 2 to 5 year olds (source). Parents of toddlers and beyond: you are in the clear!
What Happens If I Accidentally Clip Baby’s Skin Instead of Nails?
First, don’t panic! A small cut on baby’s sensitive skin is probably more distressing to you as the parent than it is for your little one.
You are less likely draw blood if you use the right tools for baby fingernail cutting. If it does happen, follow these steps (source):
- Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.
- Clean the cut with warm water and gentle soap.
- Do not apply adhesive bandages on babies younger than 1 year old because they can be choking hazards, especially when applied to fingers.
The bleeding should be minimal, and should stop within a few minutes.
Final Word About Cutting Infant Nails
Be confident about cutting your baby’s nails! The process is not as daunting as it seems. Once you do it a few times, you will be an expert, though you will have to adjust your technique with your growing (and likely more squirmy) baby.
No matter how much your little one resists or dislikes having his or her nails trimmed, remember that you are doing your job as a parent, keeping baby groomed, clean, and safe from hurting him or herself.
Be sure to give your baby a lot of praise, hugs, and undivided attention after the manicure to let them know how proud you are of them for being patient!
