Cutting a toddlers toe nails - how? Help!

[Hermionewastherealhero]

My DS is 15 months and hates his toe nails being trimmed, they are way too long and I need to do them but how?
He flings himself about and screams if I try, even in his sleep. Managed to get one done today with ninja skills but the rest are desperate. Advice and methods welcome

I used to do DS's when he was asleep.

Pop on his favourite telly programme and snack in hand. Works every time for mine.

You might find this too icky, but last time I just nibbled my DS's toenails. He thought it was hilarious.

No idea if it'll work a second time! Sometimes I try just filing down a bit, seems less likely to wake him up.

Its like teeth brushing. They don't like it but its got to be done. I sing loudly "The Gnarly Toenail" song (to drown out the yells), do it quick and hold him firmly. I think scissors are better than clippers.

I find my 16 mth old will tolerate it if he's lying in his changing mat with an interesting toy. I do his nappy and then while he's engrossed in said toy, I whip off a sock and trim quickly!

dh doing silly things and do it quick. easier with clippers rather than scissors.

Thank you all for the advice, no luck yet! There is a pointy bit on his big toe that is scratching his leg so I must get it. Tried with chocolate, when playing, kissing his toes then trying to nibble and just now as he is fast asleep but all has ended in tears- argh!

When my DD was going through a particularly resistant phase, we used to make it a two man job. We would get her to lie on the bed, and my H was stationed at the head end to amuse her, and hold her hands if necessary.

I would kneel over her, straddling her lower legs and just hold her ankle and do the job. Because I was sitting over her, she had limited movement of her legs and so I could get the job done really quickly.

It did pass, she's been quite happy to get them done for ages now.

Lie them on their tummy, and lift up their feet to cut their toenails. Bribe with sweets.

I sit DD on my knee with her knees bent so her feet are on my knees! With several distractions TV on, ipad on her knee, books, snack...

This way she can't see her feet and I reach round a clip by stealth (I also find it easier at this angle as it's the same as doing your own) We move from one distraction to the next if she gets fidgety.

Done it! Filed it very carefully as he slept, he whinged a few times but it is done. Toddlers- honestly!

It takes two of us to hold DD2 down. And it's not like we've ever nicked her or cut her in any way. As you say, toddlers!

Bribe with a jelly bean. Works for me!

We cut DD's while she's engrossed in Mickey Mouse, Mickey is handy for lots in our household - toenails, fingernails, teeth brushing, hair brushing, giving me 20mins to make the dinner