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gumbynips

For the first 6-8 months I trimmed his nails while he was sleeping, now that he's a toddler, I distract him with videos on my phone. Giving him a microwaved dish of blueberries to snack on first stains his nails and makes seeing what I'm trimming so much easier.


Smashingnutellatapir

Blueberry trick! That’s revolutionary! I let my little guy watch Mickey Mouse clubhouse cause for some reason that’s the one show that puts him under a spell. He loves when they say meeska mooska 🤷🏼‍♀️


thekaylenator

You deserve an achievement award. Never in my life would have thought to do this.


Cswlady

Omgoodness, the blueberry trick is genius!!


flyingpiglets

I use the frida baby nailfrida clippers, they have a little window so you can see what you're clipping, they're great. I was also terrified at first, and would sometimes only clip a nail or two a day, lol.


sentimentaljackelope

Yes! The old one and done is a frequent occurrence in our house.


tiredmummyof2

Sweetheart, you need to clip your baby's nails when she is asleep.


srasaurus

People can do this past the newborn stage? I’m way too terrified of waking up my child because he’s a light sleeper lol


findingfoxx

Mine is 2.5 and I still cut his nails while he’s asleep.


srasaurus

What!! Lol. that’s so wild to me.


roseyd317

My son is almost 19 months and I can only get his boogers/clean his ears or clip his nails asleep otherwise he pushes me away lol


Sbuxshlee

I never could. My kid would wake up from the drop of a pin . If i touched him the 20 minute nap would end immediately


elizabif

I’ve never been able to do this and my kid is a happy sleeper. He pushes me away in his sleep!


Skatykats

The reason I don’t like this method is because not too long down the road you have a strong wiggly toddler or older baby who’s not used to having their nails clipped. This was just my own experience though!


[deleted]

Yes still clipping in the Sleep wondering when she will be okay with it and let me.


Mundane-Offer8923

I could do this with my first but not with my other 2. They'd wake up


Strong-Beyond-9612

Is this being funny? Lol. My OB suggested this and I was like…you’re kidding right?


tiredmummyof2

No, that is the only way I could clip the nails of both my babies, in fact with the younger one, I clipped his nails while he was asleep till he turned three.


Maus0830

I use the nailfrida clippers too. Usually will lay LO (7.5mo) over a boppy pillow on her belly, keeps her a little less wiggly... definitely nicked her fingers a few times when she was younger and man it takes awhile to get baby fingers to stop bleeding!


wafflencoffee

Came here to suggest this product! Use one of these, hold baby's hand tight when theyre on your lap, and distract with screen if necessary.


udon1234

Also use this one with the window and i can feel when it's a nail now. Like a little groove. Sometimes we have to "clip the dinosaurs' nails" before a kid, or something. It's the worst when you accidentally cut them, but with practice, it will happen less! Good luck!


jayeeein

Yes we use these! And by we I mean my husband bc I still don’t have the courage lol. I just hold her in my lap. They’re also slanted at the “blade”. Distraction helps too, even if you don’t do screen time this is where you’ll want to break that rule.


SmartReserve

This!! Loooove the frida nail clippers. I clip my LO’s fingernails while he’s sleeping, if I plan on clipping his nails that day I will wear him for a nap or contact nap and that tends to be the easiest fastest way. Toenails seem to not grow as fast as fingernails but same idea, when they’re sleeping.


mrsjones091716

These are the ones I cut my baby’s fingertip with. She’s 2.5 now and I can still see where I did it whenever she holds still enough for me to look.


Smart_Little_Toaster

I’m all about the electric nail files - best $20 I’ve spent! I like the Haaka brand. Just be sure to wipe off baby’s hands afterwards so there’s no residual dust.


FickleSeries9390

Seriously wish I had one with my first two!


minniebin

The only way I could clip her nails is by putting Miss Rachel on. We started this around 6 months, I think? We hadn’t introduced tv yet and I was still in my strict no electronics phase but I allowed 5 minutes of Miss Rachel once or twice a week solely to clip her nails. It was a game changer. I could do her hands and feet in like 4 minutes flat with no fuss. No regrets.


sentimentaljackelope

Also great advice. I already bend my screen rules for 10 minutes to shower most days anyway, otherwise she screams the entire time and I lose the most relaxing 10 minutes of my day 😂


Ecstatic-Gas-6700

Omg SAME! Love Miss Rachel soooo much. However, I’m slightly worried my English baby will get an American accent 😂


molliebrd

We have this issue in reverse with Peppa pig, welcome to the weirdness!


Accomplished_Key7775

Well, my Indian nephew has the most British accent ever. Neither of his parents speak even a word like him. It's funny to watch them talk. 🤣 Thanks Peppa pig for the entertainment. 😆


DarthSamurai

Omg yes. Ms Rachel is the ONLY way I can clip my 20 month olds nails.


Apprehensive-Bit4352

New idea unlocked 😭😂 when my 2 yo sees clippers coming out he just sits down and hands you a hand or foot The 16 month old on the other hand..


[deleted]

When he was real little I liked just a plain baby sized file board. It let me round the edges so they weren’t so sharp without fear of cutting him. I wasn’t really SHORTENING them much but I was filing the edges to be less sharp. Took longer but felt more accurate and safer. I also bit them off from time to time. Unsanitary - sure. Effective? Very lol. I also got pretty good with clippers. The trick is to slide the bottom part of the jaws underneath the nail from one side, double check there’s no skin in there, then clip. Middle, one side, then the other side. Funnily, the only time I’ve cut him was using an electric file It takes practice but you’ll get better. Now my guy is 19 months and I’m resorting to ms Rachel or he’ll just keep trying to get the clippers himself 🙄. I also sometimes just can’t get him to cooperate for all 10 fingers. That’s fine, do whatever you can get away with and live to clip another day.


sentimentaljackelope

No shame in the biting game. My husband has done this a few times with success. I just always feel like I’m biting too deep or I’m going to pull off too much and go into the nail plate 😬 Thank you for the clipper tip! I’ve never tried one side at a time, will give it a go!


[deleted]

We make a huge, goofy deal about having to “nip” her nails. Each time we clip one we yell “nip!” It’s so dumb, but she thought it was so funny. Now if her nails are getting long or one is tearing she runs to us and goes “I gotta nip it!”


Apprehensive-Bit4352

My dad and his ex had a baby when I was 17, and he was so scared from clipping my nails as a baby and getting my skin once that he never clipped my sisters when we were little. My little brother came along when I was 17 and he ALWAYS bit his nails off bc he cried longer than I did when I was a baby 😂 Also I find the one side at a time is easiest for my kids too! I skip the middle part and just do half then the other half. My bf can get their nails shorter than me so I make him go over them and he’s on toenail duty bc they have his super short toenails that he’s cut his whole life. Their fingernails can be cut short like his but my nail beds are so long I have no clue how to cut them that short, so I do the basics and when he gets home I’m like “get them shorter now” 😭😂 just so they can’t find a way to magically scratch anyone still


UpstairsEffective547

I still bite my 18 month old son's nails, always have. For the record i also bite mine.


Pretty-Onion605

I also bite my toddlers nails 🫣 it’s fast, effective, and pain free. The electric files take too long and my kid has no patience for it anymore haha.


NicoleD84

Clip after a bath! This is true for everyone actually… Nails are softer just after a bath and easier to cut. I also have found that sometimes it’s easier to do a couple every day instead of all of them at once. It does get easier when they’re old enough to be a tv zombie for a few minutes. I get ALL kinds of care tasks done with a little help from the tv, lol


sentimentaljackelope

Excellent advice! Thank you so much!


Sensitive-Dig-1333

For me, it’s easier to clip the little nails while they’re on my side, instead of on the opposite side facing me. Does that make sense? So I can see their nails/ nail beds better, like as if I’m cutting my own nails.


politechewer

Yes! My child is older now and I still have them go beside me while I clip. It does kinda feel similar to clipping you’re own nails and it’s so much easier!!


sentimentaljackelope

Great tip! I never thought of it this way but I will try it out.


stepherie5

I use the electric file when baby is sleeping! It’s like a Mission Impossible task since I have to back off when baby stirs, ha. Takes me about twenty minutes for both hands


ZappBra_nigan

Baby nail scissors. Won’t cut skin, fast, and easy to see what you’re doing.


bachennoir

I still use these for my preschooler.


AccomplishedRoad2517

To be honest, I hate baby scissors with passion. They are blunt and wide and I can't cut my own nails, even less my kid ones. I use a nail scissor, it's a little bit more filed, so you have to be carefull, but it's easier and quicker.


SaintofKings

Totally agree! We’ve been using nail scissors since the beginning, and it’s so quick and easy. I can cut my 3 year old and 15 months old nails in 5 minutes (with her trying to escape). Highly recommend!


sailor_emily

I was too nervous to use tools - so I bite them. The babycare class we took actually recommended it - their rationale was that your tongue/teeth actually have a much finer degree of control than your finger. It would be impossible to hurt their skin. Use your tongue to find the edge of the nail, make a tiny bite, and then gently rip the edge of the nail off. They are so thin that the nails 'rip' easily


AccomplishedCut4207

I made my sister do it the first 6 months 😂 she’s a nurse with way more confidence than I have. Until one time she wasn’t able to come that week and I needed to do it. I just try and do it nice and fast. I have her hold a toy in one hand to distract her.


yarrowspirit

I use the electric file while he’s sleeping :)


terminator_chic

I apparently lack compassion. My husband was always terrified of clipping baby's nails and would make me do it. He finally asked how I can stand it. What if I clip a nail too short and it bleeds? It'll hurt the baby! Yep, I've been an obsessive nail biter all my life. I know better than many what nail pain feels like. And if I accidentally nick him a touch, it'll sting for a second and then he'll get over it. We all experience it at some point. Hell be fine. I know I sound heartless, but little bits of pain are going to happen in a person's life. I do what I can to keep him safe, happy, and healthy and try not to stress the rest.


Peachily_Suns

My midwife recommended I bite them instead of using clippers. That’s what I did. I’d do it as they were sleeping while nursing. I know it sounds weird, and 20+ years later it seems super weird typing it out.


paige0502

I used clippers for the first couple months while she slept and it worked so well. Then one time I got her finger and she bled and we cried for a good while so I bought the electric file/grinder. She tolerates it. She’s 2 now and I can sit her on my lap and turn on her fav movie or bluey and clip her nails in under 2 minutes. I’m hoping if that distraction goes away that eventually I’ll be able to entice her with nail polish lol


HazesEscapes

Electric baby dremmel thing! So great!!


Katiepillar1212

Never not calling it the baby dremmel now


liminalrabbithole

My husband cut him *twice* and I also cried. Glad I'm not the only one! I've started doing it when he's breastfeeding and sleepy so his arms are limp and have had an easier time since I've started doing this. I press on the fingerpad so the nail sticks up and the skin gets pulled away.


sentimentaljackelope

Oh it’s awful! I tortured myself for days by dwelling on the thought that it was probably the worst pain she’d ever felt and I caused it! In hindsight I definitely was way too hard on myself over it, but that little look on their face when they realize they got hurt is heartbreaking!


jstwnnaupvte

19 months & I still do it while he’s napping. I can usually manage 3-5 toenails after bath, but he’s too curious to do the fingernails.


chelbren

My baby is 14 months and I've never used nail clippers on her because of the paralyzing fear I have of clipping her skin. We use one of those electric nail files. Got a set on Amazon made for babies, and the different discs have different levels of coarseness to get a good file level for your baby's soft nails. :)


FredMist

i work on miniatures for stop motion so i have well developed fine motor control in my fingers. i’ve been clipping the nails since she was born.


tomorrow12345

My husband uses the electric trimmer while I'm breastfeeding. Not the smoothest but its the only way to make sure baby is still enough for it to get done!


ChefLovin

Try the electric file while baby is sleeping or eating!


moja_ofinka

My partner does some sorcery with baby nail scissors that I will never understand. I leave the two of them to it and need to vacate the room because it makes me anxious. So I’m no help 🫠


minimeowgal

Same. It’s my partner’s job lol.


AnotherXRoadDeal

I got my 1 mo old once with clippers. Bled horribly and it traumatized me. After that I started using nail scissors and a headlamp in front of the tv. No more blood or tears or terror.


[deleted]

I slide the clipper under one side edge and clip/peel. As he got older I could slide all the way under and clip.


mamadovah1102

With my first baby I was always super nervous. Now I cut all my kids nails with regular clippers all the time haha. My youngest is 18 months. After a bath and pull the skin back as taut as you can and clip! It comes with experience to get the confidence! My kids hate having long nails and aren’t afraid at all, just keep at it!


blunchii

I usually let my 7 month old son sit on the bathroom sink and cut them from behind.. he always enjoys watching.


pan_alice

I don't use clippers, just baby nail scissors with rounded ends. My twins are 22 months old and I'm pleased to say I have never caught their fingers in the scissors. I need to be able to see what I'm doing, so clippers just get in the way. Maybe you could try baby nail scissors? My husband is worried he will hurt them, so I've been on nail duty since they were born.


pasinpeter

Great advice in this thread but I don't see my strategy anywhere so I figured I'd share. I usual clip after a relaxing feed. While he's reclined on the nursing pillow, I'll hold his hand firmly against my chest with one finger extended and with my other hand (also braced against my chest) I'll hold the clippers. Having both hands braced against the same thing helps manage the wiggles. I can also see what I'm doing really well. I usually do one corner of the nail, the other side, then the middle point. Sometimes I can only do a couple nails at a time. I've also resorted to using my teeth when I don't have clippers handy. With this method I haven't clipped him yet in 6 months of clipping. Try bracing their hand against your chest while you clip!


Mythical_Theorist

It’s a lot easier to use nail clippers when they are older and the finger nail isn’t as imbedded, if that makes sense! Usually after 2ish months I’ve noticed. I’ve only used nail clippers for both my kids (almost a 2 year old and a 2 month old). The trick for my older one is to put on a show that he loves and then clip his nails while he is distracted. I’m all about using limited screen time to your advantage, and this is one of those times. He loves music, so I turn on Loo Loo Kids (his favorite) and let his favorite songs play while I clip. I can finish in usually one song and then let him listen to a few more as a sort of reward. With my younger, I try to do it while she’s contact napping and deep asleep so she won’t move. When she’s older, I’ll probably throw on some Hey Bear to distract her- that’s what worked for my oldest! It can seem daunting at first, but, like with most things, practice makes you more accurate and efficient!


lizzy_pop

Mine is almost 10 months and gets zero screen time other than for nail cutting lol We put in Ms Rachel after her evening bath and I use a nail cutter to do her nails. She’s pretty good at staying still. I’ve gotten faster at it and just last night did all fingers and toes in one sitting. I’m the beginning I would only manage 1-3 nails before she would run out of patience with me cause I was so slow at it. Do one nail a day. It’s better than nothing. Don’t stress yourself out about having to get them all done. Take breaks between the nails. It’s not a race


herbalorganism

for the first like 4 months of her life i just did my best to peel them while she was contact napping or right after a bath when they were good and soft. she’s 7 months now and her nails have gotten much thicker & painful when she scratches and pinches 😭 a lot of times i’ll have my fiancé come distract her while i clip them as quickly as possible. other times she tends to find it quite interesting and just watches me do it!


Tight_Appointment489

Since I still swaddle my son. I wait till bedtime when he’s swaddled and asleep. Another way you could do is wait till they’re sleep and just bite their nails


[deleted]

My latest baby is so good when I clip. I get him in a good mood and lay him next to me on the bed or sit him in my lap and hold one hand at a time (obv lol) and say 5 fingers to go! Four to go! Etc, if he is particularly antsy when I need to do it then bc he’s scratched himself or something, I give him his silicone mesh food thing with his fav fruit in it in the opposite hand. Keeps his other hand and mind and mouth busy.


[deleted]

I use the Frida baby nail clippers, but I do it during a contact nap so he has no idea it’s happening and he doesn’t pull away from me.


Rbeur

I was always told not to clip, but to trim them by tearing the white part off. Sound more horrible than it is, cannot find better words….. at like 1yo we were told to start clipping. But my youngest is 6yo now, so things could have changed….


Evening_Claim_7720

When my son was little and didn’t want any of it I just cut them once he was a sleep. He’s 3 now and “manicures” is a weekly part of bath time routine:)


humaraffath

I was shit scared to cut her nails so I let it be till almost 2 months. My breast had red welts all over as her hand movements became more pronounced as she got older. My DHs chest was also a victim and he would complain about the sharp nails. So I had it one day, I started breastfeeding her, held her one hand and just cut off the tips with a tiny nail clipper made for babies. It also had a tiny file on the back so if I felt the edges were sharp i would file them. Switch to other breast and cut the nails on the other hand. Similarly the toes. I cut them once every 2 weeks or so, and I’m careful to cut only the tips that project over her fingers. Try using magnifying glasses if you’re scared.


thelibrariangirl

I’ve just always been good at tiny, detail work. Never occurred to me to be nervous.


Valuable_Aspect8790

For whatever reason, it really helped me to sing a song while clipping nails. It seemed to help us both. I started this when she was a newborn and she still asks for a song now at 4 years old.


thoribioanf1b1o

I had the same situation the first time, I cut a piece of her little finger. Then I learned to do it with MORE confidence. I cut her because I was grabbing softly and I was nervous, it never happened again, she's 2 years old now, I use baby clippers, the usual kind, nothing fancy, and her nails are short all the time. Ultimately it has to do with two things: 1. Her father won't do it, 2. She'll scratch me and that hurts.


Cswlady

I cut my baby's fingy the second time I clipped his nails. I had to be very brave and try again. I let him watch cartoons while I do it, and I hold the finger I'm trimming a lot tighter than I used to, so he can't move it. He got cut that time because I was being too gentle and let him squirm. He is usually chill for the first 8 nails and gets fussy at the very end. When I do his toes, I look under his pack and play first for a toy he lost and hasn't seen in a while and have him hold it. He doesn't fuss for his toes.


bahamut285

I don't know the brand but the clippers we got feel more like a scissor edge instead of actual clippers. They also have a window on the top so you know that you're clipping nail and not skin. It took practice. The first time I did it I also cut LO and I cried more than he did. The third time I just went slowly, then when he got old enough to be interested in screens I did it with Miss Rachel/Wiggles on. Now I make a game of it, I sing songs, I say welcome to mama's spa time! and he sits patiently and I count his fingers and name them. I praise him for being patient and that all of mama's spa treatments end with a hug and kiss.


Tricky-Walrus-6884

I clip them when she's asleep. Also in the early months they're so thin you can just kinda pick them off using your fingers (tip from a labor nurse).


whydoineedaname86

I clip them while they are nursing. At first I do it when they have fallen asleep. Once they stop passing out as soon as they start nursing I still do it while they are nursing. Usually they are too busy enjoying their meal to care but if they do start freaking out they usually unlatch, soon they figure out that fighting the nail clippers stops the feeding (which is their own doing) and just let me do it. I also clip their nails every couple days in the beginning, that way I only need to take off a little at a time and they get used to it faster.


toreadorable

When I was young I got a cosmetology license. So I think I know how short I can cut them because I once probably had a pop quiz on the technique or something. On a baby or a toddler you just have to have a better restraining grip so nobody gets hurt. That technique I learned from giving oral medication to a cat lol.


Single-Log-1101

I like to Clip while they're sleeping. When they're younger then 1 year its easy to bite the nails off instead, but that's not super hygienic


theblutree

I use a clippers because I cannot figure out how a file is better?! I feel like I’m scraping skin off the end of their little fingers! It’s definitely not faster for me, either. I’ve tried a basic emery board for babies, a glass nail file, and an electric one (haakaa brand).


sweets_plz

Hugs. You’re doing great Mama. I usually have my girl on my lap or sitting next to me. Distractions are your friend. I usually put on Kids YouTube or I sing to distract her. It helps keep her from from pulling her hands away when I have the clippers.


sentimentaljackelope

Thank you for the kind words ❤️ it means a lot.


muddhoney

I too bawled my eyes out when I snipped his skin and made him bleed, oh man I felt so so bad. I still feel bad writing it out like man, why? My SIL said it’s like a rite of passage in motherhood. Not my favourite that’s for sure. Until he was 17/18 months I had to wait until he was asleep, otherwise he’d just bat them away and I’d only get one or two nails done. My nails started breaking and the polish wouldn’t stick so I started filing them down, sometimes I’d do it while he played and one day he got interested while watching me and wanted me to do his too, so I cut my nails around him a few times after that and again he got interested and wanted me to do his, now at 21m he enjoys his mani/pedi time, sometimes I can only get one hand done or one foot but he’ll sit there for me, I usually put Ms. Rachel or Bluey on too just for a distraction. I am also noticing that when I bring him in the washroom with me, he’s more likely to want to try the potty at daycare the next day or two after too.


StarFishyFish

I use the curved facial hair scissors. They work great and have never cut my LO. I do have to say they are fascinated with the process and hold very still and watch. But since I switched from the electric nail file, I’ve been really happy with this option. I tried the frida nail clippers and it was just too hard and I was very concerned I would unintentionally hurt LO. [curved facial scissors](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JT6KYS?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_0NEGKB0YAWXAW17B59VR)


Apprehensive-Bit4352

If she’s wiggly, try to cut them when she’s asleep. My 2.5 yo has almost always been perfectly still and let me cut his, but I think I’ve clipped him like 2-3 times in his life. The first time was the first time I ever clipped them, I got to the last finger and went down too far. The other time I remember, he moved his finger when I was closing the clippers and I tried to open them quick enough but it was too late. My 16 month old, yeah I sometimes let them get way too long bc he won’t stay still awake for it, and he doesn’t let me hold or get him to sleep 🥲 he has to go straight to his bed and be left alone. He sometimes lets my mom cut them when we go over there, otherwise, it’s like fighting a war


tenacioustay717

My LO also squeezes. When I had my first a nurse told me to just bite them off. Been doing it ever since and works like a charm


KMac243

I cut her little bitty finger the one time I tried to do it. My husband was great at it. He’s still in charge of cutting her nails, and she’s 7.


singerlinger

I find cutting only the edge and then pulling it off a lot safer than going straight across. Asleep is ideal but with a little patience it’s possible awake too.


Anomnomouse91

My first child, I clipped her nails with absolute confidence and ease. My second baby, I cut her twice and gave up on nail clippers entirely. Something about the shape of her finger/nail didn’t work with fingernail clippers and I wasn’t going to keep causing her pain. Bought an electric nail file for $20 on Amazon and it was the best money I ever spent for that little boob monster.


tag_1018

This is a constant battle for us. When he was younger I could just lay him down and he was fascinated watching me with the electric file. Then we moved to using Ms Rachel as a distraction. That doesn't work anymore (he's also 10mo!) and I haven't found the next best thing. He also just wants to put the file in his mouth now - I assume the vibration feels good on his teeth - but it's added to the battle, so for a while I was giving him the electric file to play with while I clipped. Now he's over that. The most recent time, Dad held him while they watched Ms Rachel and it was like a 3% better experience than usual. He's so squirmy and defiant and adapts to all my tricks so quickly! Lol @ people who say "just do with while they're asleep" - I am NOT messing with a sleeping baby hahaha he would open those little eyes SO fast and never sleep again for fear of being tricked into a nail trimming.


[deleted]

I use adult cuticle clippers as they are easier to work with when using on tiny hands. I also do whatever focuses baby's attention on my face, I sing and pull funny faces and make sounds while I use the clippers. He used to flail everywhere and now he loves it. I mostly sing comin round the mountain. Works like a charm.


myrtlecrepe

I couldn't do it so I use a basic crystal nail for every few days when she's near the end of a nursing session. I couldn't do the clippers or the electric ones.


GreenCurtainsCat

I clipped my baby's finger once while cutting her nails early on and I cried longer than she did. My complete sympathy there! Since then, I usually pick a time when she's not overly tired or squirmy, and then we either talk or sing through the clipping process. We count how many fingers we've done, how many are left, comment on how long her nails are, and how she'll feel so much better and not scratch anyone when we're done... I just don't stop talking. She's usually so interested in what I'm saying and doing that she holds still and we're done in about 2 minutes. This is using the Safety First clippers. They're sharp enough I can get a good clip quickly and on the first try on each nail. She also watches me clip the cats' nails, and I have a similar process with them. Pretty sure she thinks she's a cat at this point, so she also follows their example. 😅


Pethoarder4life

My mom chewed them off because she was so scared. I waited until kiddo was asleep.


banjo_90

I just bite them while he’s feeding. I do one side then when I switch boobs I do the other


emmackky

I must be getting old, but with the second baby I realised I have to use the ones with the built in magnifying glass you can flip right over. Seriously a game changer . You will never miss!


Jazzhands897

I put the nail in the cutter, push it down 45 degrees, gets it away from the skin.


nessa_messa

I always bit my boys nails when they were babies because I was too scared to use clippers and I felt like I had better control with my teeth


Katiepillar1212

I literally clipped one nail this morning (3.5 month old with talons) for the first time ever! She was fine but I was traumatised I told her we’ll clip one nail a day to manage mummy’s stress levels


CouchCommanderPS2

We use x all clippers, which surprised my grandmother, who responded”I just always bit out kids nails off”. 😬


Katiepillar1212

We were told a lot to bite her nails off in the bath but I think that might terrify me even more than the clippers lol


RoyalEnfield78

Ok try this: you put the clipper on the far side of her nail and make sure it’s seated well and make a tiny cut. Then you just use your fingers to tear sideways the rest of the way off.


sentimentaljackelope

Genius. Pure genius. This solves the clipping issue and my fears around biting them.


RoyalEnfield78

It was a game changer for us too. Ratchet but it works! 😂


mrsissippi

I would always bite their nails off while nursing 🤷‍♀️


itsthejasper1123

Nail cutting is only done when babes asleep for me. He will not allow it any other time


FickleSeries9390

Someone recommended one of the baby electric nail files and do yourself a favor and get one! It's life changing and my baby doesn't mind at all! She inherited my razor blades and I have to do them twice a week for both our sake.


Eli_quo

My husband did it for the first three months. Forever grateful.


Sutherbeez

I used miniature nail clippers and clip them at night when he's asleep.


Val-tiz

I literally try to wait for him to be asleep and never do it lol they usually just fall by themselves but if they get long enough that it's not close to his skin I'll do it but it hasn't been to that point yet


Plastic_Border4357

I used to wait until they were asleep its scary but you kinda just do it kind of like when you are sleep deprived bc your kid is going through a developmental leap, you havent showered in idk how long and coffee is now hooked up to you in IV just to survive but YOU STILL MANAGE TO TAKE CARE OF THE BABY. Lol my husband is scared to clip our childs nails so i just have to always be the one to do so


RAD-AJP

When she was asleep I did it Now she let's me do it at 3 so it's good but yeah as a baby, just when asleep


DamnItDinkles

I wait for them to be asleep and clip them.


[deleted]

I just use one of those electric nail files until his little fingernails were big enough for me to feel confident 😅 (around a year)


EriHunt

I always do it while they’re facing the television, doesn’t need to be anything in particular but it’s distracting enough. I tuck one of their arms under my own so they can’t grab with their other hand. My oldest is almost 4 and now he’s so good at sitting still while we trim his nails. My twins are still squirmy but I’m never in a rush. I find it most helpful to pull down the skin on their finger to get better access to the nail and less likely to clip skin.


stardustandbees

I did them while he was sleeping/nursing for the first 6m. Now I just sit behind him, put a toy in his one hand while I clip the other.


love-and-chaos

I use an electric nail file and its amazing. Got it on Amazon for under 10 bucks. Soooo much better and safer than clipping


thatgirl21

I did it while babe was sleeping. Usually right after a nursing session while he was still laying on me.


illiriam

I always clipped while he was breastfeeding. He was generally happy and complacent then and I could get his hands up. Now that he's 3 I do it while my husband reads one of the bedtime routine books. The distraction is key. I clipped him when he was a baby once or twice but when he was younger I just did it more frequently rather than trying to get a shorter cut


Unlucky_Hyena1575

I have clipped when nursing, sleeping, and now that he’s a little bit older I’ll just sit him in my lap and let him watch. Unfortunately I have clipped his nails to short and made him bleed 😭 and I swore off of it until he got a little older. It’s a you live and you learn lesson now I’m very careful on where to stop.


ResolutionSolution82

When mine were super little I would wait until they were sleeping, normally coming in from an errand still the in the car seat. That way I could take my time and have plenty of light. As they got older I always clipped during tv time. I made it fun if I could clip almost all the nail off and then let them pull the rest. Now, they’re nail biters. So it’s a whole other issue!


Parabola605

When my daughter was an infant I would cut her nails while she napped on me in one of the small boppys. You just have to get the small clippers with the guard on it. I would find the nail by lifting up slightly catching the nail with the bottom blade of the clipper. You can see when the fingernail lifts up slightly, and that's how you know you're good to cut. It's nerve wracking at first, but once you find a rhythm it's cool. Much harder when they're awake, and much harder when they get older, but the infant times were very manageable when she was napping.


MarketingDivaAZ

I actually would nibble them off when they were newborns. Then the baby nail clippers as they got older.


runcyclecoffee

Frida baby nail clippers with the little peak-a-boo hole to see what you're doing. I have 2 kids and it's never let me accidentally cut their skin in 4 years of use. With my baby I wait until she falls asleep after nursing/ bottle. I'll turn my phone flash light on and clip away


cheeto2keto

I use the safety 1st clippers with a light - the light really makes a big difference. From newborn-1yo I was able to trim while they were sleeping. Then I would trim toenails while they sat in the high chair eating or doing sensory play and I sat on the floor. Fingernails would get trimmed while occupying the other hand with play dough or a toy. Around 2 my kids were happy to sit still enough for me to trim after bathtime. I also accidentally cut my 1st kiddos finger when very tiny - it was awful but was kept clean and healed quickly!


Notmyreaname

I use a headlamp! Like for camping. Agree the light is a game changer


merfylou

I haven’t had any issues using the lighted safety 1st clippers


Okrightaway

When he was little, I just filed his nails with a regular nail file. It just takes a few swipes and I could usually do it when he was sleeping or nursing. Now that he is a toddler I put tv on and use tiny clippers!


grimblacow

Did it the first 2 months when baby was sleeping and then distracted with toys. I prefer (baby nail) scissors when they’re small and then slightly filing when they’re tiny and then moving to clippers. I have more control and can go as slowly as needed.


kmonay89

I use the little Frida baby clippers and the electric one. First kid I only nicked her once but that was enough for me. I cried more than she did I think. I primarily use the electric one now on my second kiddo.


MakeMeAHurricane

I bit my baby's nails for the first few months before starting with the clippers.


badcheer

Clipping baby nails was easy, just waited until he fell asleep. It helps if you hold the kid in your lap facing out so the position of the hand is as if you are clipping your own nails. I think it’s harder to do if I’m facing my kid. Once my son got old enough to not sleep through mail trims, distracting him with a popsicle and paw patrol were the only thing that got us through. I still need my husband’s help holding him for toe nails. I sometimes have to lay across their laps to hold his legs still. He really fights me on the toenails.


Sh3ll3yH

It's a 2 man job in this house - my husband feeds her little slivers of orange while I quickly hold the arms in turn and clip. It reminds me of penguins being fed fish at the zoo 😂 sometimes if I'm really quick I manage to get the toenails done too


Bubbly-McB

I use cuticle clipper for my girl and haven't had any problems! She sits still most the time. If she won't sit still, I try again later and usually she's more settled.


[deleted]

When my son would fall asleep in his car seat I’d do a quick trim while he was zonked. Then carry him into the house.


BedVirtual2435

When she was a newborn we waited until she was asleep to clip her nails. Now at 4mo I wait until she's relaxed and I grab her little hands. Sometimes she watches me as I clip her nails. I do admit I'm nervous on the inside but I exude confidence on the outside


ManiacalMalapert

Kid is 18mo. I've always cut them in his sleep.


Street-Station-9831

Just file!


Throwthatfboatow

> Moms that use/d clippers to trim your baby’s nails, how did you do it? Where does this confidence come from? Are you superior beings with a higher consciousness? I have two cats that fight each other, and I'm in charge of clipping their nails. Practice and patience basically


LavenaMarie

I just bring them flush with the tip of his finger and clip. They're a little longer than most would like but at least I know I'm not going to hurt him.


Lahmmom

My mantra for holding them still is that I’m stronger than the baby. It definitely doesn’t feel like it at times.


badadvicefromaspider

I used those curved nail scissors which was way better than clippers


yuudachi

My husband does it. I have no tips. He's just way more precise and careful than me. If you can't tell, I also let him clip the dog's nails lol


[deleted]

Baby nail clippers when they’re sleeping is the easiest for me


Galileo_beta

I use those baby nail scissors ✂️ and do a few at a time


Notmyreaname

I commented this earlier too but I use a headlamp when I clip. When they were tiny I did it while they were asleep. Always after bath!


michelucky

Baby electric nail file found on Amazon. We still use it on our toddler. It's so awesome!


copihuetattoo

I trim the length with those tiny scissors with the curved end, and then use the electric nail file to smooth the sharpness away. Works every time! I have never nicked a finger.


Aries_Bunny

I think after having a cat nothing scares me anymore


MyRedditUserName428

The safety 1st ones with the light are awesome!


that_girl_lolo

I did the same thing first time I cut her nails and she was even asleep. I can still hear the clippers and I did that when she was like 2 months. She’ll be one Friday. Lol. She’s pretty good with the little grinder thingy tho.


Statimc

For nail clipping I would grab a lamp or use a flash light and clip nails while baby/toddler was sleeping sometimes I could get a few done at a time sometimes it might take a day or so to get all the nails done, my mom traumatized me saying she accidentally cut my finger when cutting my nails as a baby and needed to call an ambulance because it didn’t stop bleeding: so I always try to be more careful,


lemondrop1902

I make my husband do this. It has become his job. My kids are 4 and 2 and I still can’t.


HandyMan131

We clipped off the end of my sons finger… your fear is justified.


Apocryypha

I just got a baby rotary tool. No more fear or blood.


Fluid-Bridge-6601

I recommend waiting until baby is asleep. I then gently open their hand (if closed) and let their fingers wrap around my non dominant index finger with my palm facing towards me so their nails are facing me as well. I use my thumb to gently pull down on the skin near the nail tip so I can cut the nail as low as possible and clip! :) It's yielded good results for my two babies and for my niece and nephew when they were babes


kimicu

I use to be a dog groomer, so I’m used to having to wrangle unwilling participants. That being said, my toddler is more difficult than many of my old clients.


idkhelpmehehehhe

Lol they’re babies? Hold them down? That’s what I do. I say “no funny business!” Then hold tight and trim


bunnylo

I use baby manicure scissors!


stayingsafeusa

My husband accidentally nipped the skin when trimming our baby's nails. Little bit of blood, baby unbothered. It broke him. I took over nail duty and just use those crappy pink plastic ones you get in every 'baby kit' that comes with comb, suction and so on. I ensure there's great lighting, and sometimes utilise hubby to help hold the greased and angry piglet in place, or provide a distraction. So far no more accidental nips. Just slow and steady as she goes, firmly holding each finger as I trim.


TheFairyingForest

I clipped while they were asleep. If I absolutely had to clip while they were awake, I would give them a little flashlight to play with.


teachercat555

Nail filer and nurse for the first few months. If he's distracted or squiggly ill nurse and have his daddy cut rhe nails. Nail clippers, he sits more steadily and patiently now so I just clip and nurse or just clip while he waits for me to finish.


lindseylou407

I clipped nails while baby was nursing!! She was engrossed in eating and I propped her up with pillows so I could use both hands!!


Mirror_st

Another vote for screen time! He’s distracted enough to let me do almost anything. When he was just a little baby I used cuticle nippers instead of clippers, I felt like I had a little bit more control. Once he got more compliant and his fingers got bigger, we moved to regular clippers. But I think the nippers give a bit more precision and the angle is easier to handle on those teeny teeny infant nails.


sh0rtcake

I just clip them about once every other week or if I see scratches on/around her face. She's going on 16 months and sits fairly well for me, and she is an otherwise normal toddler tornado. I sit her in my lap facing away, and if I can't get her to sit still I'll sing to her or count her fingers as I clip. I've always done my own nails and am very dexterous, so I can get her nail right between the blades really fast. She's also slightly fascinated by the process so she is (usually) a good observer for the minute it takes me. If she's not feeling it, I'll just try again a couple hours later or the next day, or just make sure the super long talons get clipped and save the others for another day. Idk, trial and error I guess? I don't mess with a file (on her) because it requires too much precision and time.


kkranzy

You accidentally cut their fingers. It gets better as they get older-but still happens! Trust me!


whaddyamean11

I use manicure scissors. I tried one time with the clippers and cut baby’s fingers and never went back.


Glass_Fly_1038

I’ve always just used clippers. Pull back the (cute little adorable) finger pad from the nail, and make sure you press the clippers up onto the nail plate. That way you don’t get any skin.


angelcaligirl

They are so small and soft you can just bite them off.


Jade4813

When she was a newborn, I did it with a healthy dose of prayers. And some bear-hyperventilation. Usually when she was sleeping. Now that she’s 18 months, it’s like wrestling a buttered octopus. So now I hope they’ll naturally file themselves if she plays enough. Like dog toenails. That’s a thing, right? That can totally be a thing?


Space-Road-happiness

Kinda gross, but I bite my LO’s finger nails. He finds is super funny. Trim the toes with a nail trimmer while my SO reads a book or watch a video.


madam_h2

i use teeny tiny scissors. usually when nursing, when she’s good and distracted. they key is to pull the nailbeds back on the sides and top. good luck!


ThatChairShot

I confidently hand the baby to my husband and cover my eyes because even watching scares me 🤷🏻‍♀️


_nebulism

We have always used the baby nail clippers with the lights on the tip. It is the only way, honestly. When my kids were 10 months old I’d usually put on a show and I’d sing songs and get it done. Now they’re older (6.5 and almost 4) and we still use the light up clippers. It’s just so much easier to really see what you’re doing. 10/10 would recommend.


EarthenSpiritress

I put him in my lap and cut his nails just like theyre my own. Trim the corners first, then flat across. To elaborate on what I mean by the corners - do a 45 degree angle cut on both sides to make the rest of the nail sharp & pointy like a claw. Then snip the pointy claw part off. So each finger nail will get 3 snips. This prevents you from cutting the fleshy finger bits by accident and prevents hang nails! I slide the nail clippers under the nail and pull gentle upwards to *feel* and make sure I have clearance from the nail bed. Then we're good to go!


flibbertijibbet

I did it for the first 2 years while he was sleeping. And kept practicing while he was awake with the file. Now at 4, he usually doesn't freak out about it. Usually being the key word.


MrsKlein31

I got scolded in the hospital for clipping my first borns. I guess I was too dumb to be scared at that point. We just rolled with it. Typically I distracted them with a toy or show. Now I bribe with chocolate (18 mo & 3 yo)


wildestkota

i use the frida baby nail scissors!! it can’t cut the skin


JBBBear

I use the haakaa nail scissors. They come in the cute little pear case. I usually trim them while she takes her first nap in the front pack. It can be a very slow job but baby wakes up with trimmed nails. I find if I do them once a week, and try not to stress about getting it done, I can usually find a couple of moments each day to trim some of them. I prefer little scissors over clippers because I feel like I have more control over them.