Toddlers and babies are naturally curious and tend to get into everything whether they are allowed to or not. Whether it’s a hand down their diaper or playing in the sand pit, their little hands could be a holiday for pesky germs. This is why cutting their nails is so important even if you are faced with the challenge- my toddler won’t let me cut nails.
Why My Toddler Won’t Let Me Cut Nails? – Detail Guide
Are you thinking, why my baby won’t let me cut their nails? Cutting your baby’s nails whether it’s their toes or fingers can be a tricky task. Whether it’s a phobia or sensory overload you may end up with a stubborn toddler hiding or flapping their arms and legs.
When toddler won’t let you cut nails, first, you should determine what it is that is bothering them and then you can find a distraction technique that helps you get the job done.
When Toddler is Not Allowing to Cut Nails
Cutting your child’s nails could be the most dreaded task as a parent. You know it has to be done yet you aren’t welcoming the entire screaming showdown that you have to endure before getting the job done.
Through the screaming, flapping, and kicking you strive to get their hands and feet looking neat and clean but if only you could get through the task a little easier? What about if you nick their tiny toes making them freak out even more? Is it worth the headache and heart-wrenching screams?
Never fear we are here to help! Before we dive into how to clip toddler nails we need to look deeper into what is causing the upset, as soon as we understand the issue the quicker we can rectify it.
Baby Nails – Why Do They Need to be Maintained?
The answer to this question is fairly simple. From a newborn, you may be astounded by how quickly your baby’s nails grow. These tiny little fingers with nail beds as small as crumbs can cause chaos.
From scrams to holding germs and not to mention smelly your baby needs to have their nails clipped regularly to maintain their safety and hygiene.
As our baby grows so does their curiosity, and with a curious mind comes fingers that get into everything. Keeping your toddler’s nails short is important as they will be using their hands more to maneuver and pick up objects. Having long nails can harbor nasty germs and bugs which can make them ill.
Why Won’t my Baby Let me Cut Their Nails?
Let’s look at it from your kid’s point of view. You are not only walking toward them with a sharp shiny object which could appear scary but you also require them to sit still. If I’m honest I am yet to find a two-year-old who likes to sit still for one second let alone a whole two minutes!
So apart from the obvious, let’s look at other reasons your toddler wants to avoid nail cutting.
‣ Phobia
Having a phobia can come into play at any age but it is usually a way our brains cope with a life event that has left us tremendously scared, hurt or uncomfortable. The easiest way for us to overcome certain phobias is to face them head-on but this can also have the opposite effect and make the trauma much worse than it first was which is why if you suspect a phobia of cutting nails it is best to seek the guidance of how you can successfully help your child overcome these issues.
Nail cutting can be uncomfortable for children but it would be a bit far-fetched to determine their hatred for the routine to be a phobia. It could be that they have had a negative past experience with a shiny object and the feelings have manifested leaving them afraid of the clippers.
This does not mean that they don’t exist but I think you should seek other reasons why you’re having such a difficult time before labeling it as a real phobia.
‣ Sensitivity
When you think about cutting your nails you can’t describe it as painful but the sensation can be rather odd.
Sensory issues can lead to what we would declare as overreactive behavior. As our children grow they become more in tune with their senses, as adults we can overlook things, and we can become numb to a variety of things around us.
Children, however, tend to live in the moment making every situation a meaningful activity or for many an ordeal they can’t comprehend.
Sensitivities can appear as if your child is misbehaving but it is important to recognize nail cutting can become a fairly intense feeling even though it doesn’t cause them pain.
Children who have additional needs can also be extremely sensitive to these types of routines
‣ Unfamiliar with Clippers
Children may feel unfamiliar with the tools you use for clipping. They may be too interested in the clippers, my 6-month-old wrestles to get the clippers from my hand and if you know anything it’s that a grip of a baby can leave even the toughest man losing the battle!
Don’t get me wrong I am not suggesting I leave my baby to play with clippers but she has so much wonder for this shiny object she just wants to inspect them in detail.
‣ Not a Regular Routine
Not making a regular routine of nail cutting can also have a heavy impact on how your child responds. Let’s be fair you aren’t going to cut their nails every day, are you?
Young children love and thrive on routine. From birth they establish their own feeding routine, then as they grow they learn that day means to play and if your lucky night means sleep. So when we ask our children to do something that is alien to their normal routine they may display a range of emotions including rage outbursts and what may look like being over dramatic.
‣ Cutting Parts of Their Body
Clearly, the biggest fear for little ones is that they are going to get hurt whilst mommy or daddy places this sharp shiny looking object close to their fingers. This can solidify their fear if you have nicked them or cut their nail too short in the past.
How to Cut Baby Nails When They Won’t Let you
Now we have identified the causes of your question, why toddler won’t let me cut nails?, we turn to helpful tips on how to cut toddlers nails through what we hope would be a troublesome phase.
1. Tool Time
If you are using clippers use an alternative tool. Try baby scissors, nail file, or an electric nail grinder. It could be the tool you use that is putting your child off rather than the task itself.
2. Explanation
We parents are totally guilty of wrapping our kids up from some realities. In this situation telling your child that bugs and germs can live under their nails can be enough for them to consider sitting.
3. Bathtime
Bathtime can be stressful in itself but if your child is a water baby and finds enjoyment in the bath then you could try and clip their nails whilst they are having fun in the tub.
4. Give Them Control
This can be good for two reasons, giving your child a nail file to give you a manicure can help them feel in control and show them that they have nothing to fear. Providing you don’t mind your nails being reshaped by your toddler this can be a great ‘your turn my turn activity’.
The other reason can be for you to gain empathy with your toddler. Are you afraid they are going to go too short? Hurt you by accident? Then snap this is the way they may feel.
5. Cuddle Time
Sometimes all your child will need is extra security. Trimming nails can be an awkward task as you could be at the table opposite each other. You could try to sit behind your child encasing them in a big bear hug. This way they can see exactly what you are doing and will feel protected from your presence.
6. Wait Till They Are Asleep
If the thought of trying any of the above feels out of reach then you can always wait till your little one has passed out. Personally, I would rather try to consider any of the others as the thought of waking my sleeping child is something of nightmares but if you have no other option then this could be your way out of the sticky situation.
Wrapping Up
We have clearly identified the reasons behind and answered the question of why my toddler won’t let me cut nails.
Trimming your little ones’ nails is vital as it is showing them the importance of hygiene and keeping clean. If left to grow, their nails could become ingrown and get infected not to mention the germs they could harbor.
Try out some of the tips we have mentioned and hopefully, you will find one that will work making this troublesome task a thing of normality.
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