Cutting toddler's finger and toenails - any tips ?

[bringmeashrubbery]

My 1.5 dd and 2.5 ds both go into orbit every time I try and cut their fingernails and toenails. Does anyone have any tips ? The offering of chocolate does not work.

My mate swears by biting them.

I haven't yet developed a fool-proof way.

biting the fingernails and toenails, btw, not the kids.

i am liable to get a swift boot in the face if I attempt to bite.

hmm, p'raps not then

At the risk of alerting social services - when DS was a bit younger and objected to nailcutting, I used to stand him on the (very broad) bathroom windowsill and tell him to look out for cats. Gave him something to look at, and he was aware that if he thrashed about he would fall off the windowsill. Now he just sits on my knee and takes the whole thing very calmly.

I put one of DD 2.8yo favourite TV shows on to distract her and cut them as quickly as I can.

Also I don't always aim to cut them all at the same time, sometimes it is just 1 hand or foot and can take a few day to get them all done.

I have also been known to cut mine in front of her first which sometimes works.

Make sure you do it after bath when the nails are soft.

I find clippers rather than scissors (£2 from Boots) are best- you can get in there and it's not too invasive.

Other than that you just have to hold them and get them to sit still. Maybe while DH/DP reads a fave story? Or when they are immobilised before a fave TV show?

when they are asleep?
i used to cut dd1's with no problem
the very first time i cut dd2's she moved and i cut her finger .. so i got my mum to do it for a long time after

after bath, in front of tv, with clippers, followed by choc buttons

and ds (24m) needs to be given the clippers afterwards and allowed to do the dolly's nails

lol at muminbrum. Thanks for tips - tv might work.

i always do it when ds is asleep. much less fuss!