Trimming your child’s fingernails and toenails can be a daunting task for many parents and caregivers, but with the right tools, it can become a natural process. Proper equipment is essential for a successful mani-pedi session, whether you opt for nail clippers, scissors, or a file.
Trimming your child’s nails is crucial to prevent them from scratching their face or other body parts and to avoid dirt and grime from accumulating under the nail.
There are numerous options available for infant nail clippers, but some are more convenient and user-friendly than others. To make the process of trimming your baby’s nails as painless and tear-free as possible, we have compiled a list of the best baby nail clippers available.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Baby Nail Clipper: NailFrida The SnipperClipper Set
- Best Baby Nail Clipper For Newborns: Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Nail Clipper
- Best Electric Baby Nail Clipper: Baby Nail Clippers 20 in 1 by Royal Angels
- Best Baby Nail Clipper With Light: Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper
- Best Baby Nail Clipper With Nail File: YIVEKO Baby Nail Kit
- Best Baby Nail Scissors: Simba Baby Safety Nail Scissors
- Best Baby Nail Clipper With Magnifying Glass: The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper
- Best Baby Nail Clipper Set: Petit Collage Baby Nail Kit
- Best Baby Nail File: Babygoal Newborn Nail File
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Nail Clippers Picks
NailFrida The SnipperClipper Set – Best Overall Baby Nail Clipper
- Keyhole to see baby’s nails
- The curve allows for a soft snip and to gentle close so that you can go slowly
- They cut smoothly
- Very hard to hurt the baby with these if you are careful
- They are a bit big
The SnipperClipper Set includes a nail clipper with a safety spyhole that allows you to see exactly what you’re cutting, ensuring no accidental nicks. The curved blades of the clipper overlap, making it safe, easy, and quiet to trim your baby’s nails.
Additionally, the set includes a baby nail file designed specifically for small fingers, with a gentle S shape that follows the natural contour of nails to provide a smooth finish. These clippers and files are safe for newborns to toddlers and are efficient in trimming nails with ease.
Safety 1st Steady Grip Infant Nail Clipper – Best Baby Nail Clipper For Newborns
- It is small for a baby’s delicate fingernails
- Great for toddlers as well
- Easy to grip
- Easy to use
- Not the sharpest
The curved edge of this clipper is designed to protect your little one’s delicate fingertips, and the large soft-touch handle ensures that you can clip with ease.
The non-slip grip is a game-changer when it comes to precision and accuracy. With this clipper, you’ll be able to position the blade with ease, minimizing the risk of accidentally nicking your baby’s skin.
Baby Nail Clippers 20 in 1 by Royal Angels – Best Electric Baby Nail Clipper
- Not noisy, will not wake up baby
- Easy to use
- Comes with a case
- Has a LED light
- You need batteries
This electric nail clipper kit from Royal Angels includes all the tools necessary to trim the nails of every family member, regardless of age. The emery sandpapers can help file tiny nails without damaging the surrounding skin if a foam cushion is placed beneath.
You can safely and easily shape your baby’s fingernails and toenails by adjusting the blade speed and direction. The whisper-quiet motor allows you to trim nails even when the baby is asleep. Plus, the LED front light illuminates the nail tip even in low-light situations.
Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clipper – Best Baby Nail Clipper With Light
- Built-in LED light
- Grippy coating
- Curved cutting
- The battery can last for years
- The light auto turns off
This clipper is equipped with a bright light in the blade area, which is especially useful when using it in a dark room while your child is sleeping. The plastic housing around the cutting edge keeps the nail clippings in place during use.
Once you’ve finished trimming, you can use the emery board stored in the compartment to smooth any sharp edges left behind. The clipper comes with a replacement battery and has a power-saving auto shut-off feature, though you shouldn’t have to replace the battery frequently.
YIVEKO Baby Nail Kit – Best Baby Nail Clipper With Nail File
- The scissors work, they are sharp enough to cut without having a long blade to risk any cuts
- The nail clippers work fine
- The tweezers work well in extracting hanging boogers from the nose
- The glass file is dull enough not to harm
- The lid could have higher tolerances. Tend to pop off too easily when knocked over
This baby nail kit is more than just a nail clipper, as it includes a pair of baby scissors with a non-slip handle, tweezers with soft tips, and a glass nail file that won’t harm the skin around the nails or cause nails to fray.
The handle is designed with ridges to prevent slipping and make it easy to hold, making it ideal for cleaning tasks like picking up nail fragments, wiping a baby’s ear, or cleaning a belly button.
Plus the curved, overlapping blades can easily cut through the baby’s nails at any angle, while the ergonomic handle provides a firmer grip and better control while clipping.
Simba Baby Safety Nail Scissors – Best Baby Nail Scissors
- They are easy to use
- Thin blades
- Tips are rounded
- Comes with a protective cover
- The blades are short
Nail scissors can be a great option for trimming a baby’s nails due to their delicate nature. Unlike clippers, there are no loud clicking noises or sharp edges to worry about filing down. Simba Baby’s traditional nail scissors have finger loops that are evenly spaced, making them comfortable for both left- and right-handed users.
These scissors have a rounded tip for added safety and a short, thin blade that allows for easy cutting at any angle. When you’re finished trimming, a safety cover is included to protect the stainless steel blades, so you can put it in your diaper bag.
The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper – Best Baby Nail Clipper With Magnifying Glass
- Nice big handle for an adult to hold
- The magnifier makes it much easier to see those tiny baby nails
- The cutter blade is pretty sharp so will cut
- Hinge to cut and store position is very smooth
- Might be hard to use for squirmy babies
With the magnifying glass attached to this clipper, you can see your baby’s nails four times larger, making it easier to see what you’re doing. When you’re not using the magnifying glass, it conveniently folds away so it won’t get in the way.
The clipper head is designed to be the perfect size for small infant nails, and it’s even safe to use on newborns if needed. The large handle is easy to grip and made for comfortable use, and the blades are crafted from durable stainless steel.
Petit Collage Baby Nail Kit – Best Baby Nail Clipper Set
- Comes with a pouch
- Good for traveling
- Nonslip handle
- Great for toddlers also
- Comes in 1 color
This baby nail kit features a nail file, baby nail scissors, and nail clippers, all essential tools for grooming tiny fingers. Specifically designed for baby nails, this manicure set is safe to use on infants.
It comes in a cute canvas pouch shaped like a fox face, making it perfect for travel emergencies. This baby manicure kit is crafted with your child’s health in mind, making it a thoughtful and practical baby shower gift if you prefer. Plus, the non-slip handles on the tools prevent slipping while cutting.
Babygoal Newborn Nail File – Best Baby Nail File
- Pouch is included
- These are super gentle and get the job done
- They don’t hurt even baby is wiggling around due to the glass material
- Easy to use
- These are glass so be very mindful about how they are stored
These nail files are made from Authentic Czech Float Glass, ensuring durability and reduced risk of breakage compared to regular nail files, so they require less frequent replacement. With a variety of colors, the three-pack of Babygoal nail files also comes with a washable, reusable pouch that is ideal for storage and travel.
How To Choose The Best Baby Nail Clippers?
- Type: Discovering the ideal tool for your baby may require some experimentation. While nail clippers or scissors may offer more precise cutting, a nail file can help maintain control. Regardless of the tool you choose, it is best to trim your baby’s nails when they are sleeping.
- LED Light: Checking with an LED light can prevent accidentally cutting your baby’s skin and make it easier to trim their nails while they’re asleep. This is especially helpful since it can be challenging to trim the nails of a fussy, moving baby.
- Magnifying Glass: Using a small magnifying lens can make it easier to see what you’re doing when trimming your baby’s nails and can reduce the risk of accidentally injuring their skin. Any tool that can help prevent parental guilt is a good thing.
- Spy Hole: A spy hole is a small opening located near the cutting edge of some nail clippers. This allows you to see the nail before you cut it off, which can prevent accidental cuts or injuries.
- Grip: To avoid any accidents, it’s essential to maintain a secure grip on the nail clippers when trimming your baby’s nails, especially if they are wriggling. It’s recommended to choose nail clippers with handles that are easy and comfortable to hold for a firm grip.
Types Of Baby Nail Clippers
- Standard Clippers: Baby nail clippers come in a range of styles, from basic designs to models with built-in magnifiers or lights. Clippers typically have a curved blade that fits around the nail, allowing for a clean cut.
- Electric Clippers: Electric baby nail clippers are battery-operated and use a motor to trim the nails. They can be especially useful for parents who find it difficult to use manual clippers or scissors.
- Scissors: Baby nail scissors have curved or straight blades that are designed to trim the nail in a smooth, controlled manner. Scissors can be easier to use than clippers for some parents because they provide more precision.
- File: Baby nail files are a gentle way to file down nails without the risk of cutting or injuring the skin. They can be used on both fingers and toes and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
When Should You First Cut Your Baby’s Nails?
You can begin trimming your baby’s nails within the first two weeks of their birth. At this point, their nails will have had enough time to develop and will start to become long and sharp, which can lead to accidental scratching or injury. However, some parents prefer to wait until their baby is a month old before trimming their nails.
Do Babies Need Special Nail Clippers?
Yes, babies need special nail clippers because their nails are delicate and thin, and traditional adult nail clippers can be too large and bulky for their tiny fingers. Baby nail clippers are designed with smaller blades and handles, making it easier to trim the nails safely and accurately without accidentally cutting the baby’s skin.
How Do I Cut My Baby’s Nails?
Trimming your baby’s nails can be intimidating, but with the proper tools and techniques, it can be a simple process. You can use a nail clipper, nail scissors, or a nail file. It’s recommended to cut your baby’s nails when they are sleeping since they are less likely to squirm or move around (1).
Start by holding your baby’s finger or toe gently, then carefully trim the nails straight across, avoiding the corners to prevent ingrown nails. After trimming, you can use a file to smooth any rough edges. Remember to never bite or peel your baby’s nails, as this can lead to infection.
How Do You Cut Baby Nails When They Won’t Let You?
- Try to cut their nails while they’re sleeping, as this can make it easier to get the job done without them fussing (2)
- Give them a toy to play with or sing a song to distract them while you cut their nails
- Let them hold the clippers or file and make it a game. This can help them feel in control and more willing to cooperate
How Often Should You Cut A Baby’s Nails?
It is recommended to trim a baby’s nails once or twice a week to prevent them from becoming too long and causing scratches or accidental injuries. However, the frequency may vary depending on the rate of nail growth and the baby’s activity level. It is important to regularly check the nails to ensure they are not getting too long or sharp.
