No matter which tools you use, there are a few things to know before you begin. “The key item to keep in mind when it comes to baby nail clipping is that even if you clip the ‘white’ edge of the nails completely, they are still quite sharp. So, you cannot end the presence of sharp nails, no matter what you do,” says pediatrician Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, of Akron Children’s Hospital. “The point of clipping, then, is to clip away nails that have overgrown—and that means all parents have plenty of time to wait for the nail to grow out before clipping. The longer the nail, the easier the clipping is, and the easier it is to avoid clipping beyond the white margin, which can cause pain and bleeding.” Consider the type of tool you want to use, the size of the tool, and if there are any additional features that might help you, like a light or magnifier. We carefully considered design, size, additional features, type of tools, ease of use, and age recommendations when reviewing products. Here are the best baby nail clippers on the market to help you trim with ease. A peekaboo window over the blade helps you see where you’re cutting more easily than standard clippers, meaning fewer cuts on tiny fingers. Once you’ve trimmed your baby’s nails with the clippers, you can smooth off the edges with the included S-shaped file. Price at time of publication: $13 The nail clippers feature an ergonomic shape for a secure grip, and are made of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel. You’ll get plenty of use out of them because they’re safe to use on newborns. Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $7 You can use the nail clipper with one hand because just one switch controls the power, speed, and direction settings. Plus, we think parents and caregivers trying to cut a sleeping baby’s nails will appreciate the built-in soft LED light and quiet motor. Price at time of publication: $30 The nail clippers, file, and scissors feature nonslip handles to help maintain your grip while you cut your little one’s nails. Buy it for yourself or keep it in mind as a gift for your next baby shower. Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $13 The handle has a no-slip material to ensure security while cutting, and there’s even an emery board to finish off any sharp edges. A battery replacement is included, but you shouldn’t need to worry about it for a while thanks to the clipper’s battery-saving auto shut-off feature. Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $11
What to Look for in Baby Nail Clippers
Type of Tools
When it comes to trimming your baby’s nails, you have a few options, Dr. Lavin explains. “There are three methods, but they all involve removing the white margin of the nail to some degree: a simple nail clipper like adults use, a pair of baby nail scissors, [or] a nail file to file down the excess nail,” he says. “This can be done with a simple file or an electronic nail filer that files down the nail very safely.” It may take some trial and error to find what tool works best for your family. A nail file can help keep things under control, while nail clippers or nail scissors can be easier to use in a controlled fashion for cutting. Either way, the best time to trim a baby’s nails is when they’re asleep.
Size
A baby’s nails are tiny (and adorable), so consider the size of the tool you’ll be using. A tool too big may be harder to use precisely. Instead, opt for nail clippers, scissors, or a file specifically designed for babies. These provide a more secure grip in the hand, giving you more control as you cut those small fingernails and toenails.
Additional Features
Like many other baby items, there are nail-trimming products with extra bells and whistles to help this tricky process. Additional features on baby nail clippers can include special blades, no-slip material, storage case, a magnifier, LED light, or extra replacement pads. While additional features aren’t an absolute necessity, they can make cutting a baby’s nails easier. Consider whether you can live with or without these features, and if those features may cost you more in the long run. For example, if you opt for an electric nail file, batteries will be an additional cost if the file isn’t rechargeable.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself, and cuts her son’s fingernails with clippers before filing with an electric nail file. However, because each baby is different, some families may find themselves not clipping their little one’s nails for a couple of months. “As to when the first clipping can happen, we recommend simply looking at your baby’s nails and clipping when the white margin is long enough for you to feel comfortable to clip it away," Dr. Lavin says. “Remember: The nail stays sharp no matter how closely you trim, so don’t trim until the nail is long enough for you to be comfortable clipping. This could be right after birth, or not until your baby is 1 or 2 months old. It all depends on how grown-out the nails are at birth.” The first thing you should do, however, is find a comfortable position. You can place your baby in your lap or wait until they fall asleep.
