4 Tips For Cutting Your Child’s Nails – Parenthood
As the child gets older, stronger and more active, it becomes more difficult to cut their nails. However, this is part of his hygiene. In addition, short nails prevent him from getting injured. So, these tips will help you cut your child’s nails.
4 tips for cutting your child’s nails
Although this is a routine task, it can be a challenge for many parents. It is for this reason that we give you some tips to make your job easier.
1. Use the right technique
You should hold your child firmly, position him back to you, and circle his arms so that he cannot lift them suddenly. This will prevent any scratches, bumps or injuries from the scissors or nail clippers.
Nevertheless, as the parents gain experience, they determine their own technique according to the behavior of the child. It is better to press on the edge of the nail and cut off the protruding part. You should cut parallel to the natural line of nail growth.
Cut the right nail and file the edges with a special children’s file. It is better to cut wide to avoid cutting the skin.
2. Choose the appropriate time to cut your child’s nails.
Choosing the right time to cut your child’s nails is one of the most effective tips. For example, while they are sleeping is a great time, especially if they are a deep sleeper. This way they don’t move and you can more easily do so.
Try cutting his nails while he watches his favorite cartoons. If he likes to eat, get someone to help you feed him what he likes while you cut his nails. Try to distract him; you can tell him a story or sing.
If your child is over 3 years old, cut yours off in front of them to show them it’s not painful. So you may be able to convince him and he will let it go.
Right after a bath is also a good option, as her fingernails are soft. In addition, children are relaxed and it is easier to distract them or fall asleep. In this case, you need to be careful, because wet nails are transparent, and you can cut the skin.
It is essential that you be calm and quiet in order to impart confidence to your child. They have a self-protection reflex. Therefore, when they see scissors or nail clippers, they react to prevent you from hurting them.
3. Use the instrument appropriate to the age of the child
Between the baby’s first months and 2 years, we recommend round-tip scissors or a baby nail clipper. We also advise you to use an electric file or special cardboard for children and you should only file the nails gently. From 3 years old, you can use the common nail clipper.
4. Clean and file your child’s nails after cutting them
Once you have finished this task, you should wash your child’s hands and remove any fingernail tips that may remain and end up in your child’s mouth or eye. It is better to file round shaped tips.
Cut toenails
When they grow, your child’s toenails don’t necessarily pose a danger, as they can’t hurt themselves with them. However, this can be unpleasant, as they feel a lot of pressure and they can be embarrassed when it comes time to put on shoes.
To cut the toenails, you must hold the foot firmly so that the child does not make sudden movements. Press down on the nail until the tip rises a little so you can cut it more easily.
In this case, we recommend that you cut the nail straight and not rounded. As they grow more slowly, you can cut them every fortnight or once a month.
Mistakes to Avoid When Trimming Your Child’s Nails
With these tips for cutting your child’s nails, you can prevent it from being traumatic and painful. For example, you need to avoid cutting a lot on the edges, so that they don’t grow inward and damage the skin.
The nails should not be cut too short, as this can be very painful.
Thanks to these tips, you will be able to overcome your fear of hurting him and you will get there easily. You can put them into practice the first time!
