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Original poster

Anyone got some handy advice for how to cut a recalcitrant toddler's fingernails?

43 replies

MeetMeInMontauk · 16/02/2019 09:34

DD has fully subscribed to the 'terrible twos' narrative and any rude basic hygiene and safety intervention e.g. teeth cleaning is typically met with a spirited resistance. I can generally deal with this, but the latest

OP posts:

Twotome · 16/02/2019 09:36

When they are sleeping.

Original poster

MeetMeInMontauk · 16/02/2019 09:39

Sorry, posted too soon.

I can generally deal with this, but the latest standoff is over nails being trimmed. Obviously this involves sharp clippers and potential pain if she won't sit still but nothing standard (bribery, demonstrating on DP, reassurance) has worked. Non-interventionist method such as emery board unsuccessful. I'm running out of ideas but really don't want DD looking like a Catwoman/Wicked Witch of the West hybrid.

Any quality suggestions, MN hive-mind?

OP posts:

Grumpbum123 · 16/02/2019 09:41

Whilst sleeping

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Original poster

MeetMeInMontauk · 16/02/2019 09:42

@Twotome At the nadir of this difficult episode, I may have slunk into DD's room under the cover of darkness to try exactly that tactic

She woke up.

I'm not keen to repeat that MO in case I traumatise her into sleeping with one eye open at all times.

OP posts:

Catren · 16/02/2019 09:51

I had the same. Got someone else to do it and she complied, then got used to it and likes it now. I also think i started it in front of the telly so she wasn't really aware of what was going on. And did my nails in front of her so she could see it was fine. Good luck, i feel your clipper wrestling pain! (And the scratches!)

exLtEveDallas · 16/02/2019 09:53

I did what my MIL did to DH back in the day - I bit them!

whiteroseredrose · 16/02/2019 10:00

We also did DS and DD's finger and toenails while they were asleep.

WickedWytch · 16/02/2019 10:05

Tv and choc buttons and a stern it’s gonna happen tone. Don’t cut them too short as that can hurt. As long as they’re not ragged don’t be too perfectionist.

Original poster

MeetMeInMontauk · 16/02/2019 10:09

Ok, seems like quite a bit of support for the stealth approach. I confess that I was a bit reluctant to even mention that I had gone to that extreme already in case I caused a public outcry! I am clearly already overinvested in this frankly very minor parenting issue.

Guess I'll need to brush up on my ninjutsu skills and attempt a second pass. Failing that, the biting thing might work although I feel that that leaves DD's hands uncomfortably close to my delicate face parts if negotiations break down.

OP posts:

Anewoneforme · 16/02/2019 10:09

When asleep but you've got to time the point in the sleep cycle well. Got to be deep sleep. Generally about 20 minutes after first falling asleep. If you leave it to 45-60 minutes they will be in light sleep and more easily woken.

5ambreakfastclub · 16/02/2019 10:13

Does she have a favourite toy or teddy? I always pretend to cut my DDs doll and pandas nails first then she actually wants me to do it 🤣 I still have to be quick as she will resist after about 5 seconds but I usually get the worst ones done!

Original poster

MeetMeInMontauk · 16/02/2019 10:30

@Anewoneforme The strange thing is that DD will generally sleep through an express train smashing through her bedroom wall once she's dropped off. But I'd barely got a single nail done and she woke up mid-protest, at which point the absurdity of the situation caused a guilt trip of epic proportions. I wouldn't be so bothered but DD also has mild eczema, so long nails + scratching is not a great combination.

I'll give a few of these less nuclear options a go first though I think, if only to try and get her used to the idea.

OP posts:

minipie · 16/02/2019 10:32

TV works for nails here.

Unfortunately not so useful for teeth, though both mine were ok with teeth by a little over 2, so hang in there.

StressedToTheMaxx · 16/02/2019 10:37

My little girl had to keep her nails short due to eczema also.
I would bring out my nail polishes and bribe her with "if she let me cut her nails I would paint them like mummys."

CigarsofthePharoahs · 16/02/2019 10:46

I once threatened to paint ds2's nails pink and sparkly if he didn't let me cut them.
He said that he thought it was a really good idea.
Mostly I just ended up with dh containing three of his limbs safely while I worked on the free hand. He's almost five now and still bloody awkward about it, but now he has an amazon tablet and I tell him he can only have it after I've finished. Works wonders.
I also was a failure trimming them when he was sleeping. You could bang a gong over his head and he'd sleep through, but lift one of his fingers..... WAAAAAAAAAH

tattooq · 16/02/2019 10:53

I made a big fuss of doing my own a few times and made sure she was watching, and now 2 yo DD begs me to cut her nails all the time. She then uses crayons to do her 'nail polish'

ipswichwitch · 16/02/2019 10:58

DS2 has to be done while asleep (probable asd, being assessed) or a meltdown will happen. As a pp said, wait 20min so they’re in a deep sleep. If you wait too long they’re back in the light part of the sleep cycle. Last time I wore DSs beanie hat with built in torch - I had been using my iPhone with the light on but accidentally dropped it on his head so that ended in disaster. I’m thinking of buying head torches and channelling my inner Orbital 😂

greenelephantscarf · 16/02/2019 11:00

one of the parents making slapstick moves to captivate, the other quickly clipping.

LazyLizzy · 16/02/2019 11:06

One mum used to sit her DS on top of the washing machine while it was on spin. He was too scared to move. It did the job though.

Raera · 16/02/2019 11:20

Can a grandparent do it?
My DGS was the same for his mum but would happily let me cut nails, clean teeth, wash hair no problem. Little sod!

pastabest · 16/02/2019 11:31

My DD loves having her nails cut but we very rarely have to do them because she loves playing in her sand tub so much. It seems to have an emery board type effect.

Sweetiedarlingletmein · 16/02/2019 11:37

Tablet or phone works here. DD very happy to play CBeebies app or watch kids YouTube on the sofa while I quickly do it.

danni0509 · 16/02/2019 11:41

Just file them.

Ds is autistic and a fucking nightmare with nails teeth hair brushing and basically anything. But I refuse to let him walk round looking like he's wearing acrylic nails. Lol

He used to wake up too so that was out of the question, So instead of chopping his fingers off with scissors and having a wrestling match with him I just file them now. He doesn't like it anymore than I like doing it and I have to have to be practically laid on top of him to keep him still but filing is the only way to keep them short.

Toe nails are a different story! Thank god he wears socks and shoes 😆

Thatsalotofblood · 16/02/2019 11:45

DD settles for watching a bit of tv, but i have to wrap her in the blanket to brush her already damaged teeth!!
Any advice?!

jazzandh · 16/02/2019 12:08

I used a nail file (cardboard emery) from when mine were babies. Their nails are soft - so takes a minute and no possibility of pain.

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