Cutting your baby’s nails can seem like a gargantuan task. There are so many things that could go wrong (nicking your baby’s skin, cutting too much of the nail, etc.). Adding to that pressure, your little one may be particularly squirmy, making it even more difficult to cut their nails. So it isn’t a surprise that many parents feel nervous about the whole process.
If you’re a new parent, however, you’ll quickly learn that baby nails grow extremely fast, so regular trimming is necessary. This will ensure that your baby stays safe from scratching sensitive parts of their face and skin. Choosing the best baby nail clippers for you and your child can help to alleviate some of the fear that comes with cutting nails from those delicate fingers and toes. Luckily, there are many options out there for you to choose from.
- Important Factors to Consider When Buying Baby Nail Clippers
- What to Look for in Baby Nail Clippers
- Top 11 Best Baby Nail Clippers 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby Nail Clippers: Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer File with Light
- 2. Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Nail Clipper
- 3. Best Budget Baby Nail Clippers: Safety 1st Hospital's Choice Fold Up Nail Clippers
- 4. Best Choice for First Time Parents: Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors
- 5. Best Premium Baby Nail Clippers: ARRNEW 4-in-1 Baby Grooming Kit
- 6. The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier
- 7. Best Baby Nail Clippers for Sleeping Babies: Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper
- 8. Best Electric Baby Nail File: Fansidi Safe Baby Nail File
- 9. 20-in-1 by Royal Angels Baby
- 10. NailFrida SnipperClipper Set by Fridababy
- 11. ZoLi BUZZ B Electric Baby Nail Trimmer
- Guide to Buying the Baby Nail Clippers
- Common Questions about Baby Nail Clippers
- Wrapping Up
Important Factors to Consider When Buying Baby Nail Clippers
Babies move—a lot. So to keep your child from accidentally scratching themselves, you need to trim their nails regularly—at least once a week. It is also important to note that regular, adult-sized nail clippers just won’t do for your baby. Baby fingernails and toenails are much smaller than yours, so you will want to use ones that are easier and safer to use on those delicate hands and feet.
Why Baby Nail Clippers are Essential
Baby nail clippers are designed with your baby in mind because they are smaller in size, their handles are larger and easier to handle, and some of them even come with lights and/or magnifiers to make it easier to see where you’re cutting.
What to Look for in Baby Nail Clippers
Baby nails clippers come with a wide range of special features that make the process of cutting your baby’s nails less stressful. Pay close attention to the size of the clippers: if your baby’s entire fingernail or part of their finger is under the cutter, they are too big for your baby. Go for a smaller size. Also be sure to look out for nail clippers that have large, rubberized handles. This will give you a better grip on the clippers while cutting your baby’s nails.
Type of Baby Nail Clippers
There are three main types of baby nail clippers available for purchase. When shopping, consider your options below.
Standard Clippers
Baby nail clippers like these will look like the kind you use, but they will be much smaller in size. This type usually has a nail clipper with a large, easy-to-grip handle that operates the cutter.
Nail Scissors
If you aren’t sure about using standard baby clippers, nail scissors are another good option to use on your baby. Newborns and toddlers have thinner nails than we do, and nail scissors may make it easier to cut their nails down to the shape and length you need. However, you should be aware that nail clippers become less effective as your baby gets older.
Electric Trimmers
If you’re a very cautious parent, electric nail clippers and files are the best choices for you. Electric clippers might come with additional features like spy holes, LED lights and magnifying glasses to make it easier to see where you’re cutting. These types of clippers might also have curved edges that keep you from cutting something you shouldn’t.
Ease of Use
Choose a pair of baby nail clippers that makes the process as easy as possible for you and your baby. Be sure to choose a pair of baby nail clippers that is easy to hold, and that have a clip that’s easy to use and works properly.
If you’d like some tips and tricks when cutting your baby’s nails, be sure to check out videos like this that help you understand how to properly clip your baby’s nails. Also make sure to read the tips provided below on how to cut your baby’s nails safely.
Cutting Ability
Baby nails are thinner than adult nails, making them a little more delicate to trim. Testing a baby nail trimmer’s ability to effectively cut nails on an adult is not an accurate enough test. You’ll want to pay attention to how well the products you’re interested in buying cut through baby nails quickly, cleanly and safely.
Overall Product Quality
Despite the fact that you’ll be using baby nail clippers for a limited amount of time, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a pair that is good enough to last long-term. Make sure you understand the type, durability, and long-term efficacy of the product.
Other Features and Accessories
Some additional and less common features to look out for are LED Lights, magnifying glasses, spy holes, emery boards, battery-powered trimmers, curved edges and fun outer designs.
Baby nail clippers are a bit more diverse than the average shopper might expect, but knowing the important features can help really help you narrow things down when shopping. Our favorite products are listed below.
Top 11 Best Baby Nail Clippers 2023
1. Best Overall Baby Nail Clippers: Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer File with Light
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric Trimmers
General Information
Little Martin’s baby nail file is gentle on cuticles and soft nail beds, even when there are accidental slips of the hand while using it. This means that it’ll be easy, stress-free work for you while you’re trimming and filing your baby’s nails. These nail trimmers have a lightweight, compact design that makes them easy to handle and tote around in your baby’s diaper bag. They also make great baby shower gifts!
Suitable Ages
Not only are these nail trimmers great for babies and toddlers, but they also come with three attachments specially made for adults. All nail file attachments are color-coded and specifically designed for different age groups: pink (0-3 months), green (4-11 months) and light blue (12+ months).
How to Use It
There is one power button that controls the two settings for the nail trimmer: speed (high/low) and rotation (clockwise/reverse). Sometimes it may be difficult to file down the outer corners of your baby’s nails, but you’ll be able to maneuver the file with a little patience. Being able to reverse the direction of the spin can also help if you run into this problem. There is a point polisher attachment that comes with this nail trimmer that is sometimes difficult to remove when you want to switch to a different attachment. If this happens, you simply have to pull a bit harder to remove it. Don’t worry about the added pressure—it won’t break the trimmer.
Special Features
An LED light and a fairly silent motor make this the perfect nail trimmer to use while your baby is sleeping. Though the light is helpful, the angle is slightly off, making it better to look over where you need to file rather than using while actually filing your baby’s nails. You’ll need two AA batteries to power it. The battery power may not last as long as you’d like; you may end up replacing them quite frequently.
Extras
Three adorable animal stickers come with your purchase: a dolphin (Love of Companionship), an elephant (Love of Patience) and a woodpecker (Love of Protection).
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design makes them easy to handle
- Suitable for all baby ages (0-12+ months) and adults
- Quiet motor makes it easy to trim nails while the baby is sleeping
- Three adorable animal stickers come with your purchase
- Comes with an LED light and color-coded nail file attachments
Cons
- Point polisher attachment is sometimes difficult to remove
- Battery power may run out quickly
2. Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Nail Clipper
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Standard Clippers
General Information
If you’re not that into having the latest, fancy baby gadgets, then the Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Nail Clipper is a great option for you. Not only are these simple and straightforward to operate, they also fold up easily for storing away at home or in your diaper bag.
Suitable Ages
Safety 1st Steady Grip nail clippers are specifically designed to trim tiny fingernails and toenails. They are safe to use for all ages, from newborns to toddlers.
How to Use It
Use them how you would use nail clippers for yourself. Since they are made for babies, they are equipped with a rubber safety grip to help you maintain a firm hold while cutting your baby’s nails.
Special Features
The non-slip handle is easy to hold, extra-large and soft to the touch, making it easy to grip and gentle on your hands while you cut your baby’s nails. The handle also ensures that your hands won’t slip while you’re using them and that you can position the clippers precisely before cutting down. Please be aware that the handle grips are not removable. The clippers are also sharp enough to cut through your baby’s nails with one clean snip which means that they won’t catch during the clipping process. Some parents, however, have found that the nail clippers don’t hold up after a few months of use.
Pros
- Straightforward and simple to operate
- Folds away neatly for compact storage
- Handle is non-slip and easy to grip
- Clippers rarely catch while in use
Cons
- Clippers may not hold up after several months of use
3. Best Budget Baby Nail Clippers: Safety 1st Hospital's Choice Fold Up Nail Clippers
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Standard Clippers
General Information
The Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice nail clippers are small in size and just like the ones you’re given in the hospital! The handle is made of 100% plastic, and the clippers are strong enough to easily cut through nails while being small enough to keep from pinching your baby’s skin.
Suitable Ages
These work great for all ages. Even adults can use them!
How to Use It
These nail clippers will fit perfectly in your palm while you’re clipping your child’s nails. Hold them firmly in your hand, position the clippers where needed and clip down while holding your baby’s hand or foot securely in place. You will find that the blade fits right under your baby’s nails, making it easy for you to clip them easily and safely.
Special Features
The extended easy-grip handle gives you a secure hold while the curved clipping edges help you trim nails down easily and safely. You won’t have to worry about accidents.
Extras
Be aware that the build quality of this product isn’t fantastic and the handle can begin to move around as the product wears out. Although it’s not a dealbreaker, it does make operation more difficult.
Pros
- Comparable to nail clippers used in hospitals
- Can be used for all ages, including adults
- Extended, easy to hold plastic grip
- Curved clipping edges ensures safe nail trimming
Cons
- Handle can loosen over time
4. Best Choice for First Time Parents: Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Standard Clippers
General Information
The handles on Piyo Piyo scissors promise firm control for even the most nervous hands. The clippers cut through nails easily, ensuring that you won’t need to squeeze down too hard for results. Additionally, the blades on the scissors slightly curve upward at their ends, making it easier to cut the nail while also minimizing the possibilities for accidents. They are slightly difficult to use if you have a particularly squirmy child.
Suitable Ages
These nail scissors are best used with newborn babies.
How to Use It
Be sure to clip straight across your baby’s nails. Then check the finger or toe for any pointy edges with your fingers. If you find any, you’ll need to clip these as well so that your baby won’t accidentally scratch themselves later.
Special Features
The scissors have no sharp edges to them and they curve slightly at the end, so that you won’t have to worry about accidentally nipping or cutting your baby’s skin. The finger loops on the hands work for both left- and right-handed people. Piyo Piyo baby scissors also come with a plastic cover for safe storage. Don’t worry if your baby grabs at the end of the scissors when they’re uncovered, as the tips are rounded as a further safety precaution, although the blade can still be sharp.
Extras
The bright yellow color and cute duck design make the process of nail cutting feel a little more fun and a little less scary for your baby.
Pros
- Great option for first-time parents with a newborn baby due to ease of use
- Curved scissors with rounded ends prevents accidents
- Finger loops work for both left- and right-handed people
- Comes with a cover for safe storage
Cons
- Safety features don’t prevent potential injuries from the blade
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Standard Clippers/Nail Scissors
General Information
This nail clipping kit was designed by parents for parents. The tools help parents work seamlessly, without causing any discomfort to you or your child. The set comes with everything you need to keep your baby’s nails clean and tidy: scissors, file, clippers and tweezers. The set makes a wonderful gift for a baby shower.
Suitable Ages
The baby nail file, scissors and tweezers are suitable from one-day-old and up and the clippers are suitable for ages 6+ months. Even adults can use them!
How to Use It
The scissors can be used to trim down your baby’s fingernails and toenails while the nail file is great for smoothing and shaping after cutting. The tweezers are a great addition and can be used to pick nail scraps. Some parents have even used the tweezers for other purposes due to its gentle-on-skin rounded head. You can wash all parts of this product with water and sanitize it how you prefer (rubbing alcohol, UV light, etc.).
Special Features
The set comes with a pair of fingernail clippers, scissors, nail file and tweezers. Because the tools are either rounded or curved at their edges/tips, you can be sure that your baby will be safe while you’re grooming their nails. The ergonomically-designed handles are made with quality-grade ABS plastic which means that they won’t slip in your hands and that they can stand up to tough use.
The metal parts of the tools are made with stainless steel, ensuring that they remain sharp and rust-free. You may run into some issues with the tweezers: since the ends are squeezed together in their packaging, they may be a bit tricky to keep apart during use. Additionally, since the tweezers are made entirely of plastic, it may make it more difficult to grab and pull when grooming your baby.
Extras
You can purchase the bear-shaped container with the tools in several colors: brown, mint and purple. You can also buy a penguin-shaped container with the tools in black and white. The fun design of the tool container makes nail cutting feel less scary for your child.
Pros
- Comes with four tools: scissors, nail file, clippers and tweezers
- Suitable for all ages; even adults
- Tweezers are great for cleaning baby noses
- Stainless steel metal parts make them rust- and blunt-free
- Fun animal shaped-containers makes nail cutting feel less scary
Cons
- Tweezers are tricky to maneuver
6. The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Standard Clippers
General Information
These nail clippers are made with a plastic handle and stainless steel blades. It is an officially licensed product of the American Red Cross.
Suitable Ages
You can use these nail clippers with any age group, from newborns up. They are specifically scaled for tiny nails, but even adults have found them easy to use when clipping their nails.
How to Use It
Use them how you would use nail clippers for yourself. Since they are made for babies, they are equipped with a plastic safety grip to help you maintain a firm hold while cutting your baby’s nails.
Special Features
The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe nail clippers have a built-in magnifying glass that allows you to focus on your baby’s nails with 4x magnification, though it is difficult to use with babies who move around a lot. This is a great feature for parents who are visually impaired.
The clippers also have an ergonomically-designed handle that allows for a tighter and firmer grip when in use. This is especially useful if you have a squirmy baby. They also fold away neatly when not in use for easy storage at home or in your baby’s diaper bag.
Pros
- Magnifying glass has 4x magnification ability; great for visually impaired parents
- Product is officially licensed by the American Red Cross
- Can be used with newborns and up; also can be used by adults
- Ergonomically-shaped handle allows a firm grip
Cons
- Magnifying feature may be difficult to use with a squirmy baby
7. Best Baby Nail Clippers for Sleeping Babies: Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Standard Clippers
General Information
If you’d rather wait for your baby to be asleep before cutting their nails, the Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clippers are a great option for you. These clippers illuminate your baby’s nails with low LED lighting. These baby nail clippers have also won a ton of awards: the Babylist Award for Best Nighttime Trimmer, the Cribsie Award for Most Foolproof Nail Trimmer and the Bump Award for Best Nail Clippers for Stress-Free Nail Care.
Suitable Ages
These clippers are most suitable for newborn babies.
How to Use It
Make sure to angle the clippers using the light so that you can carefully snip your baby’s nails while they are sleeping. Please be aware that the LED light will turn on automatically when you open the clippers. If you don’t need to use this feature, simply wait for it to time out before you begin cutting your baby’s nails.
Special Features
The Safety 1st Sleepy Baby nail clippers come with a built-in LED light that will help illuminate the exact areas you are clipping. Some parents have found that the light was too bright for their eyes, so be sure to test this out on your before using them to clip your baby’s nails. The clipper also features a plastic catch that is designed to catch any discarded trimmings, so that the blade remains tidy.
An emery board is provided for you to smooth down any jagged nail edges. This nail file can be stored away in a hidden slot in the clipper when not in use. The large soft-touch handle ensures that you will maintain a steady grip. Please keep in mind that the batteries for these clippers are not replaceable, but thankfully, they have a long life.
Pros
- Award-winning nail clippers
- LED light helps illuminate your baby’s nails while cutting
- Comes with an emery board that stores away neatly in the clipper handle
- Plastic catch in the clippers for discarded nail trimmings
- Soft-touch handle provides a firm grip
Cons
- LED light may be too bright for more sensitive eyes
8. Best Electric Baby Nail File: Fansidi Safe Baby Nail File
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric Trimmers
General Information
The Fansidi nail file set is made with high-grade ABS material that is remarkably durable. Its ergonomic shape makes it easy for parents to hold firmly while using it. These are a great option for you if you have a particularly wiggly baby. It will file down your child’s nails quickly, painlessly and efficiently. You can use them while your baby is awake or when they are sleeping. The low noise level means that they won’t startle your baby if you use them during naptime or bedtime.
Suitable Ages
Like the Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer File with Light, these nail files have specific heads for different age groups: Pink (0-3 months), Green (4-11 months) and Blue (12+ months). Pay close attention when it’s time to switch to a new blade as your baby grows; the files become rougher as you upgrade, but your baby’s nails may not always be ready for the transition.
How to Use It
Fansidi nail files are electrically run, so they will automatically grind away at your baby’s nails. However, they do require a lot more skill and patience than using traditional baby clippers. Simply move the central button up or down to select your preferred working mode to power it on. Cut from the outermost part of the nail and slowly move to the center. Then slide the switch to spin in the opposite direction and continue filing. This will ensure that the cut will be as smooth as possible. If you’re feeling nervous, start with the slow setting until you feel more confident.
Special Features
There are four different files to choose from for your baby: Pink (0-3 months), Green (4-11 months) and Blue (12+ months). Additionally, there are three different heads provided for adults to use. You also can choose between two different speeds that spin clockwise or counterclockwise.
The Fansidi baby nail trimmer has a front LED light that can be used to illuminate your baby’s nails for easier trimming. The light will turn brighter when the trimmer is in high-speed mode. The motor noise level is also quiet enough to cut your baby’s nails while they are sleeping. You will need to purchase two AA batteries to power this nail file, and you can buy replacement pads at an additional cost.
Extras
A reference sheet is provided which helps you understand which file is appropriate for which age group. Fansidi products are also under a 45-day, money-back warranty for any quality-related issues. If you have any problems with your purchase, contact them directly via email.
Pros
- Manicure set for babies and adults
- Works well with wiggly babies
- Can be used while your baby is sleeping
- Nail files are provided for different age groups
- Comes with 45-day, money back warranty for quality-related issues
Cons
- Requires a bit more skill to use compared to traditional clippers
9. 20-in-1 by Royal Angels Baby
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric Trimmers
General Information
The 20-in-1 by Royal Angels Baby is designed to trim your baby’s nails quickly and safely. The files are soft on your baby’s hands and won’t damage their cuticles or nail beds. Don’t worry if the baby happens to grab the spinner portion while you’re using it. It won’t hurt your baby.
Suitable Ages
The nail file is made for both babies and adults. Like the Fansidi Safe Baby Nail File, the file heads are provided and specifically designed for different age groups.
How to Use It
Fortunately, these nail files work amazingly with minimal effort on your part. Simply move the central button up or down to select your preferred working mode to power it on. If you’re new to using electric nail files, please make sure to practice on your own nails first before using them on your baby.
Special Features
Each set comes with six baby-friendly and six child-friendly sandpaper file head attachments. It also comes with four file head attachments which include a head specifically for callus removal. As an extra bonus, you’ll get replacement emery file pads, ensuring that you won’t need to purchase replacement files. The motor is extremely quiet, and the LED light provided will help illuminate the areas you are filing down. You will need two AA batteries to power this nail file. The battery power may not last as long as you’d like; you may end up replacing them relatively frequently.
Extras
Royal Angels Baby provides a 30-day refund if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason. In addition to this, you are given a 12-month warranty.
Pros
- Gentle on your baby’s nail beds and cuticles
- Comes with 6 baby-friendly and 6 child-friendly file heads
- Comes with four file heads for adults
- LED light provided to illuminate the areas you are filing down
- Comes with a 30-day refund and 12-month warranty
Cons
- May need to replace AA batteries quite frequently
10. NailFrida SnipperClipper Set by Fridababy
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Standard Clippers
General Information
NailFrida clippers are straightforward, simple and easy to use. They are made with steel blades that are curved and overlapping. This ensures that you will be able to cut through baby nails smoothly and safely.
Suitable Ages
These nail clippers are safe for all ages, from newborns to toddlers. Even adults can use them!
How to Use It
Use the safety spy hole to see exactly where you need to cut your baby’s fingernails or toenails. Then simply cut down as you would with a normal pair of nail clippers. If you are nervous or new to clipping your baby’s nails, please be sure to practice with these on your nails first. Otherwise, you may end up accidentally nicking skin.
Special Features
The spyhole allows you to see what you are about to cut, so you will have little to worry about when trimming your baby’s nails. The clipper’s blades are curved and overlapping which should help to prevent accidental nicks if your baby happens to move while you’re cutting. An S-shaped nail file is also provided to help you smooth down any sharp edges left over from clipping.
Pros
- Spy hold helps you see what you’re about to clip off
- Safe for all ages, from newborns to toddlers; adults can use them too
- Curved, overlapping blades add additional protection against accidental nicks
- S-shaped nail file comes with the clippers
Cons
- May need to practice on yourself first before using on your baby
11. ZoLi BUZZ B Electric Baby Nail Trimmer
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Electric Trimmers
General Information
ZoLi BUZZ B is a battery operated trimmer that can safely file your baby’s fingernails and toenails without harming their surrounding skin. Though it doesn’t work as quickly as traditional nail trimmers, it will smooth down your baby’s nails gently with a few minutes of time.
Suitable Ages
These trimmers are safe to use with babies all the way up to toddlers. There are four cushioned pads that have different grits: Stage 1 (0-3 months), Stage 2 (3-6 months), Stage 3 (6-12 months) and Stage 4 (4-12+ months).
How to Use It
You can use this nail trimmer in two different power settings, depending on your preference. The green button on the clippers will release the file heads, so you can switch them out when needed, though they may stick at times when trying to remove them from the handle.
Special Features
The gentle spin on this nail trimmer is great for even the wiggliest babies. Your purchase will come with four different pads that are specifically designed for different age groups. They are also color-coded for your convenience. When they wear down, you can easily order replacements. The two power setting options means that you can file away at the speed you are most comfortable with. Please be aware that ZoLi BUZZ B does not work as quickly as other electronic trimmers or as quickly as traditional clippers. So if you need to get the job done quickly, this may not be the right choice for you. The batteries may also run out more quickly than expected, meaning that you may need to replace them more frequently than you’d like.
Pros
- Great for parents who are nervous about traditional nail clipping
- Comes with four, color-coded cushioned pads for different age groups
- Safe for all age groups, from babies to toddlers
Cons
- File heads may sometimes be difficult to remove
- May run through batteries quickly
Guide to Buying the Baby Nail Clippers
Buying the wrong baby nail clippers can make cutting your baby’s nails a total nightmare, especially if you have a fussy baby. Keep in mind the following when shopping for a nail trimming set.
Why You Need Baby Nail Clippers
Some new parents are tempted to trim their child’s nails with a standard pair of nail trimmers. Learn why that’s a bad idea below:
Designed with Baby in Mind
There are many advantages to using nail clippers designed specifically for babies: they are smaller in size, the handles are larger and easier to handle and some of them even come equipped with lights and/or magnifiers to ensure that you can cut your child’s nails safely and easily.
Wiggly Babies
Babies are always on the move! They squirm and wiggle a lot, and when they’re newborns, they have very little control over how their hands move. This can result in some painful scratches if their nails are left untrimmed. It is essential that you cut your baby’s nails about once a week to keep them from scratching up their sensitive skin. If you have a particularly wiggly baby at home, consider purchasing the Fansidi Safe Baby Nail File.
The Limitations of Regular Nail Clippers
You might think that it’s not worth the cost to buy baby nail clippers when you have a perfectly good pair at home already. Please keep in mind that, because baby fingernails and toenails are much smaller than yours, standard adult nail clippers just won’t work as effectively for your little one as they do for you.
It’s difficult enough to cut a baby’s nails with a specialized clipper. Trying to use a tool that’s not fit for the job just isn’t worth the hassle.
General Hygiene
Having nail clippers in the house that are dedicated for specific people (i.e. one for the baby, one for each adult, etc.) is generally a good idea. This limits the possibility of transferring bacteria between members of the household.
Key Features to Look Out for in Baby Nail Clippers
These days baby nail clippers come with quite a few great features to make the process of cutting your baby’s nails less stressful. The size of the nail clipper is very important. It should allow you to trim down your baby’s nails without cutting skin.
If you notice that your baby’s entire fingernail or part of their finger is under the cutter, do not use that clipper and opt for a smaller one. Also, be sure to look out for clippers that have large, rubberized handles. This will ensure that you have a better grip on the clippers while cutting your baby’s nails. Here are some additional features to look out for:
Battery-Powered Clippers
If manually clipping your baby’s nails turns out to be a difficult task for you, you can alternatively choose to use a battery-powered nail file. All you need to do is hold your baby’s finger against the trimmer, and you’re good to go!
If you’re looking for a good battery-powered option for trimming your baby’s nails, look no further than the Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clippers.
Curved Edges
Nail clippers or scissors with curved edges are helpful when you’re trying to avoid cutting something that you shouldn’t. Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice Fold Up Nail Clippers are a good choice if you need clippers with a safe, curved edge.
Emery Boards
Emery boards will smooth out any sharp edges left behind after you clip your child’s nails, so it might be a good choice to choose a pair of baby nail clippers that come with this. Using an emery board on your baby’s nails could initially prove to be difficult, but it gets easier with practice. In addition to a wide variety of nail file heads, the 20-in-1 by Royal Angels Baby nail clippers also come with emery boards.
LED Lights
Having a light can prove to be essential in keeping you from accidentally cutting your baby’s skin. LED lights are also useful if you need to cut your baby’s nails while they are sleeping. Some parents prefer to cut their child’s nails at night as it is often easier to deal with a sleeping baby over an alert and squirmy one. Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer File with Light is a great option if you are in need of clippers with a good LED light.
Magnifying Glasses
Magnifying glasses help you to better see what you’re doing. Cutting baby nails requires precision, and with a magnifying glass to help you out, you’ll be less likely to accidentally nick your baby’s skin. Additionally, if you already have vision issues, using nail clippers with a magnifying glass are the best choice for you.
Consider purchasing the The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clippers which come with a magnifying glass that has 4x magnification capabilities.
Outer Designs
It might not seem like a big deal to choose nail clippers for your baby that have fun colors, happy characters or silly patterns. However, the outer design of your baby nail clippers could help to decrease the anxiety your child feels when it’s time to cut their nails. (It might even help you too!) The ARRNEW 4-in-1 Baby Grooming Kit has two different container designs that make nail trimming time fun for you and your baby.
Spy Holes
Nail clippers that come with a spy hole are excellent because they allow you to get a clear look at what you are about to cut. Accidents are less likely to happen with a spy hole. If you’d like a nail trimmer with this feature, consider purchasing the NailFrida SnipperClipper Set by Fridababy.
Purchasing Based on the Type of Baby Nail Clippers
Baby nail clippers come in three varieties. Knowing this, you’ll need to understand the differences between these three types to choose the best one for you and your baby. Listed below are the most common types of baby nail trimmers.
Standard Clippers
The Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Nail Clipper is a great option if you’re looking for a standard pair of baby nail clippers.
Nail Scissors
Nail scissors look like a pair of scissors. Be sure to choose a pair that comes with a plastic guard for the metal tip when they’re not in use. If this is the kind of nail trimmer you feel most comfortable using, Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors may be the best option for you.
Electric Nail Clippers/Files
Ultra-cautious parents (or parents with ultra-sensitive babies) might be after a tool that has a high level of protection against nicks and cuts. The safest tool for the job comes in the form of electric nail clippers and files. Consider purchasing the ZoLi BUZZ B Electric Baby Nail Trimmer if you prefer an electric nail trimmer.
Tips on How to Safely Cut Your Baby’s Nails
Trimming baby nails is notoriously tricky. Take some pro tips from experienced parents to deal with the annoying chore.
Choose a Good Position
Make sure to take the time to learn the best position to hold your baby in order to trim their nails. You may want to place them in a chair that secures them safely in a seated position (like a high chair) so that you have both hands free to hold your child’s hands/feet and hold the nail clippers. You might also want to just wait for your baby to fall asleep. Many parents find this more convenient than dealing with an alert and wiggly baby.
Make Sure You’re in Bright Light
Do not trim your baby’s nails in any situation where the lighting is dim. If you are cutting your baby’s nails at night while they are sleeping, be sure to use a nail clipper that has a brightly shining LED so you can see exactly where you’re cutting. If you’re cutting your baby’s nails while they are awake, be sure to do so in a brightly lit room and/or with a nail clipper that has a bright LED light attachment.
Firmly Hold Your Baby in Place
If you don’t want to or can’t seat your baby in a secure position while cutting their nails, please make sure that you are positioning them so that they are firmly in place before you start cutting their nails. This will ensure that sudden wiggles or movements won’t result in accidents. You may also want to ask for the help of an additional family member to hold your baby firmly in place while you trim their fingernails and toenails. Do what works best for you.
Trim Nails After Bathtime
The best time to trim a newborn’s nails is soon after they’ve had a bath. Their nails are soft after coming in contact with water, making it the perfect time to trim nails down quickly and easily.
Tips on How to Properly Clean Your Baby’s Nail Clippers
Keeping baby nail clippers isn’t just sanitary, it also makes life easier by helping keep a sharp age on the clipper. Keep the following tips in mind to keep things sparkly-clean.
Brush Clean Your Clippers
You can use any standard cleaning brush to remove any collected debris from the head of your baby’s nail clippers. You can also use a soft, dry cloth if you prefer.
Soak Your Clippers in Disinfectant
Use a disinfectant that is safe for babies and that does not react with metal. Denatured ethanol or any other baby-safe liquid will do the job. Pour the liquid of your choice in a container and submerge your baby nail clippers in it for 15-20 minutes.
If your clippers have rubber or wooden parts, this method of sanitizing may not be ideal. If that is the case, all you have to do is soak a cotton ball or cloth in the disinfectant liquid of your choice and use it to clean the head of the clippers. Then use a dry cotton ball or cloth to remove the excess liquid.
Sterilize Your Clippers If Possible
Believe it or not, but your baby bottle/pacifier sterilizing kit can also be used to sterilize metal scissors or clippers. Only use this if the nail clippers you are using are completely rubber and plastic free as those materials can melt if exposed to high heat for too long.
Common Questions about Baby Nail Clippers
When Is It Okay to Cut My Baby’s Nails?
It is safe to cut your baby’s nails from the first month after birth. Remember that baby’s nails grow fast, so, though it is recommended that you trim their nails once a week, you may find that you need to trim them down two or more times in one week. Be sure to check out this article on Hello Motherhood that gives a little more detail about the timing and process for cutting your baby’s nails.
Why do I Need to Cut my Baby’s Nails?
We can’t stress enough just how quickly baby nails can grow! Newborn baby fingernails grow about 0.1mm per day on average. Nails that grow that quickly need to be maintained regularly, especially since babies tend not to have a lot of motor control. The last thing you want is for your baby to scratch their skin or eyes.
How Often Should I Trim My Baby’s Nails?
Some babies may only require trimming once a week while others may need to have their nails trimmed two or more times in a week. Remember: baby nails grow very, very fast. Not only that, but the baby’s nails are also extremely soft and flexible. This means that they don’t just grow straight out, so without maintenance they can turn into ingrown nails.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re a new parent or you’re on your 3rd, baby nail care requires a lot of time, patience and skill. If you’re new to the game, remember: every parent has had to learn how to do this! Just take the time you need to find and purchase the best nail clippers for you and your baby. Now that you know more about them, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pair!