Cutting a 2yr olds finger and toenails. How do you do it?

[GetToFalkirk]

I used to bite her nails when she was a lot younger but she won't let me do that anymore. Have tried a few times with clippers with varied success but now it's a definite no. Screaming, tears, the lot. Any advice, as I'm sure it's not healthy or comfortable to have such long toenails especially.
Thanks

have you tried doing it while she's asleep?

Another vote for when she's sleeping!

Either while sleeping or very sleepy.

Yes definately do it while asleep.. worked for me

I used to make it fun by playing 'This little piggy went to market'. Worked well on my DD1 who hated nail clipping!

these days I hypnotize dd with tv on my lap, but I used to keep the clippers in the glovebox and do them when she fell asleep in the carseat

I did try when she was almost asleep but she "woke up". Good idea about doing it when she's asleep in the car seat though. Might give that a go. Thanks

DS1 used to hate it so I started doing it while he was engrossed in his favourite TV programme, then gave him lots of cheers, cuddles and (most importantly of all) chocolate buttons as a reward. Funnily enough he now quite happily lets me do it after the bath!

I bribe her with stickers

When she's asleep or when the TV is on!

Yes when they're asleep and very good sharp little nail scissors are best not clippers 'cos they leave sharp edges that need emery boarding which is probably best of all if you have the time!!

TV and dummy when sleepy - usually have zombified 22 month old on my lap to cut toe/finger nails . Also use sharp little scissors.
Asleep did not work for us as he always woke up and screamed bloody murder...

We did them when DS was asleep. Now that he's 3, he's happy to sit quietly while I cut his nails, especially if that sitting is in front of the TV.

with difficulty...?!

we tried doing it while ds2 was sleeping but he kept waking up, so now we do it with him on dps knee and me cutting the nails. good old smarties and a cuddle afterwards. yes he fights me but it gets done, and he is getting better. the other two were the same and dd (4) still doesnt like her toe nails being done.

I don't - DH always cuts the DDs' nails. He uses very sharp scissors so that he gets each one done in one cut (theoretically!) and does it after their bath, when the nails are a bit softer.

DS3 will only let me do his while watching his fave music videos on ipod - which he has to hold Even then i only get one go on each finger/toe ad must NOT linger !!

In front of the telly using very sharp little scissors (those baby ones are USELESS!). Do it quick as you can - no faffing. Toenails get the biggest screams, but have solved it to an extent by doing the baby's first, and then shaming DD (3) into being a 'big girl'.

Thanks guys. I managed to cut them all today when she was asleep in the car seat in Bluewater car park. Did get a few strange looks from passer-bys but I don't care. Boy did they need cutting too! I'm not surprised that she's been complaining about having sore feet.