Baby Nail Scissors

Baby nail scissors differ from all other nail scissors in one respect: the tips are rounded. Even if the child jerks at the wrong moment, the scissors cannot pierce the skin – that is the whole point of this design.

Learn more: when to start, how often and what to watch for

When can you start cutting a baby's nails?

In the first weeks of life the nails are still very soft and attached to the nail bed – careful filing is usually enough at that stage. As soon as the nail edge clearly lifts away and the baby starts to scratch itself, you can cut. There is no fixed age rule; what matters is how firm the nail is.

How to do it without stress

  • Cut during sleep or after the bath – the nails are soft then and the child is calm.
  • Push the fingertip back: hold the pad of the finger back slightly with thumb and index finger so that only the nail sits in front of the blade.
  • Fingernails slightly rounded, toenails straight across – a straight cut prevents ingrown nail corners.
  • Not too short. Leave a narrow white edge standing.
  • Afterwards smooth the edges with a fine file so the child does not scratch itself.

How often?

Fingernails grow quickly in small children – about once a week. Toenails grow much more slowly; every two to four weeks is usually enough.

Scissors or clippers?

For babies, scissors with rounded tips: they give you more control over the cutting line and you can see what you are doing. Small clippers are faster, but it is easier to take off more than intended.

Suitable models

Related guide: Cutting baby nails – how to do it safely · The best nail scissors

Related categories: Fingernail scissors, All nail scissors, Nail files