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On the laundry list of things that make you fidgety when caring for your baby, cutting their fingernails might fall pretty close to the top. The only thing tinier than their adorable little fingers are the teeny fingernails that sit atop them.

And baby fingernails grow at a surprisingly rapid rate. You very well may have to trim them once — or more — a week.

Why are cutting your little one’s fingernails so important? Mainly to prevent them from scratching at their face or other body parts, but also to help keep dirt and grime from creeping up beneath the nail.

Unlike adults, babies don’t understand that if they scratch something that itches, like pesky eczema splotches or cradle cap, they could hurt themselves further.

Like with most baby products, there’s no shortage of options for baby nail clippers. Some, however, prove to be more user-friendly and convenient than others.

You have a variety of styles of baby nail clippers to choose from:

  • standard clippers. In many ways, these resemble adult nail clippers, though they tend to have a wider handle that’s easier for adults to grip. They also usually have duller blades that overlap to ensure a safe cut.
  • nail scissors. As the name says, these are actually scissors, not clippers. While they work in much the same way as regular nail scissors, they are duller, include smaller blades, and usually have a rounded tip. Their handles also tend to be easier to grip.
  • electric nail trimmers. These battery-operated trimmers technically file instead of clip. Many come with a LED light to make it easy to see as the machine files away the nail.
  • nail files. You can also use tiny, soft emery boards to file down and shape baby nails. This method of “cutting” nails usually takes the longest.

To create this list, we reached out to new parents to learn what baby nail clippers and grooming sets they’d found most useful during their child’s first year.

We also relied heavily on customer reviews and ratings to understand what features parents liked most — and what they didn’t like.

Here are some of the best baby nail clippers on the market today that’ll make it easier for you to keep your baby’s nails clean and trimmed.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$20
  • $$$ = over $20

Best overall

Frida Baby NailFrida SnipperClipper Set

  • Price: $$

From the makers of the famous snot sucker comes this nick-free clipper set. It gives you a peekaboo window, so you can see exactly what you’re clipping and hopefully prevent even the tiniest slipup.

This clipper is curved, with overlapping blades to help ensure a full cut. It also comes with an S-shape nail file that’s specifically designed for tiny fingers and contours closely to your baby’s nail.

Pros

  • The safety spy hole allows adults to see exactly what’s being clipped.
  • The clipper’s overlapping blades can help you get a cleaner cut.
  • The package includes an S-shaped nail file.

Cons

  • This isn’t the cheapest option on our list.
  • Some reviewers say the clipper is a little big for infant-sized nails.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best for sleeping babies

ZoLi BUZZ B

  • Price: $$$

Don’t even want to deal with cutting your baby’s nails? Opt for this battery-operated nail trimmer that files them gently. You can even use it while your baby sleeps.

It has two different power settings you can control and comes with a handy storage case that’s great for travel. Plus, it’s designed for newborns and can be used through toddlerhood.

Pros

  • The travel case makes it easy to store and pack when traveling.
  • It includes two power settings so you can use the speed you feel most comfortable with.
  • The replaceable pads are color-coded so you can choose the right one for your baby’s age and nail hardness.

Cons

  • This option costs more than many standard nail clippers.
  • It requires batteries and will need replacement pads over time.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best with a nail file

YIVEKO Baby Nail Kit

  • Price: $$

This all-in-one kit comes with everything you need to care for your baby’s nails, including scissors and a file along with a pair of clippers. You might find the file a far easier way of keeping your little one’s nails in check, but this kit gives you plenty of options.

An added bonus: The kit also includes tweezers.

Pros

  • The kit comes in a child-friendly carrying case.
  • The price is extremely budget-friendly.
  • The kit has a lifetime moneyback guarantee.

Cons

  • You may not necessarily need the tweezers included in this kit.
  • Some reviewers say the nail clipper isn’t as sturdy as some other brands.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best electric trimmer

Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer

  • Price: $$$

Electric trimmers are great for getting precise results without causing cuts or nicks. This high-tech model features an LED front light to help you see what you’re doing.

It also has multiple control settings, including high or low speed and clockwise or reverse rotation. It’s battery-operated and comes with three attachments for adult use as well.

Pros

  • It includes an LED light so you can clearly see what’s being trimmed.
  • The multiple control settings (high/low, clockwise/reverse rotation) can offer a more precise cut.
  • Includes three attachments for adults, too.

Cons

  • This is one of the pricier options on our list, especially since you’ll need to replace the batteries and pads over time.
  • Some reviewers say the trimmer chips their child’s nails and leaves a ragged edge.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best for sweaty palms

Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clippers

  • Price: $

Just one look at this nail clipper, and you’ll know it doesn’t mess around. It might just make the task of cutting your baby’s nails feel like far less of a chore.

The best part? The easy-grip design makes it a great option if the thought of nail-trimming time makes your palms sweat. This clipper also comes with a tiny light that illuminates your baby’s nails, so you can see what you’re doing even in dim lighting — like during your baby’s nap.

Pros

  • The clipper’s tiny light is bright.
  • The handle is designed for an easy grip.
  • The price is one of the most budget-friendly.

Cons

  • This clipper is on the bulky side.
  • Some reviewers say the lights are so bright, they make it difficult to see the full nail.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best nail trimming kit

Tweezerman Baby Manicure Kit

  • Price: $$$

If you really want to keep your baby’s nails in tip-top condition, you can go all out and purchase this manicure kit. It includes:

* a nail clipper
* a grooming brush
* trimming scissors
* a nail file

Parents say they love how easy each product is to use and how precisely the clipper and scissors can cut their baby’s nails.

Pros

  • The package includes a grooming brush.
  • The clipper has a large handle to help adults keep a good grip.
  • You can use the brush to clean under nails to keep germs from spreading and getting into scratches.

Cons

  • This doesn’t include a carrying kit to keep all the parts together between grooming sessions and when traveling.
  • If you don’t intend to use all the parts, this can be a more expensive choice.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best baby nail scissors

Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors

  • Price: $

These nail scissors make it so easy to trim even your newborn’s nails — you simply cut across them slowly, as if slicing a piece of paper.

They’re way less sharp than regular scissors, of course, and their special rounded-tip design helps prevent accidental cuts. The handle fits comfortably in either hand to give you a firm, slip-free grip.

Pros

  • The handle fits comfortably in either hand.
  • These scissors are one of the more affordable options for cutting your baby’s nails.
  • The package comes in two different color options.

Cons

  • You might feel hesitant about using scissors to cut your baby’s nails, even scissors with a special rounded tip.
  • This product doesn’t include a nail file for rough edges and close shaves.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best for the budget

The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier

  • Price: $

Despite this baby nail clipper’s super-low price, it doesn’t skimp on quality.

It has an ergonomic design that facilitates an easy grip. Plus, the fold-away magnifier helps bring those little nails into sharper focus to prevent accidental cuts. This is great for newborns, older babies, and toddlers.

Pros

  • The fold-away magnifier helps you get a better view of the nails without straining adult eyes.
  • The clipper can be used for toddlers, too.
  • It’s designed so that the handle is easy to grip.

Cons

  • Getting the magnifier in the right place and keeping it there was difficult for some users.
  • Some reviewers say they wish the clipper also had a light.
Shop now at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Best to grow with your baby

RHOOST Nail Clipper for Baby

  • Price: $

This nail clipper has all the features many parents want:

* a nonslip silicone grip
* an ergonomic shape that feels comfortable in your hands
* blades that don’t leave hangnails behind

It’s also super affordable and long-lasting, thanks to its bamboo material. That means it’ll likely come in handy for the better part of your baby’s childhood.

Pros

  • The clipper has a nonslip silicone grip to help avoid accidents.
  • It’s made from long-lasting bamboo.
  • This clipper has one of the more affordable price tags.

Cons

  • The package doesn’t include a file or scissors for close trimming.
  • Some reviewers say the clipper blades don’t fully come together when trimming.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best nail file

Babygoal Newborn Nail File

  • Price: $

While filing nails takes longer, it may be worth it to know you can’t accidentally cut your little one in the process.

Babygoal’s nail files stand out because they’re made of long-lasting Czech float glass. The glass construction makes them nonporous and easy to clean.

The pack of three comes in a reusable, washable case, so it’s easy to keep track of your files and keep them clean when traveling.

Pros

  • You won’t need to replace a glass nail file as often as you’d need to replace other types of nail files.
  • The pouch is reusable and washable.
  • The price is budget-friendly.

Cons

  • Filing tends to be a much slower process than cutting.
  • Some reviewers don’t like the thickness of this file.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best for the whole family

Haakaa Electric Nail Care Set

  • Price: $$

The motor of this electric trimmer is quiet enough that you can use it while your baby sleeps. It also includes a light to make nail care easier in the dark. Since you control both its rotation and speed with one button, it’s pretty easy to shift speeds and directions as you trim.

Plus, the colored pads included with this electric trimmer make it easy to know which to use on your child’s nails and which to use for other family members. It also includes a callus-remover for adults.

The device and pads fit in one box for easy storage, so you can keep everything together for both travel and day-to-day use.

Pros

  • The pad options include two for adults, plus a callus remover.)
  • The pads are color-coded so you can easily choose the right one for your baby’s age and nail strength.
  • The device includes an LED light to make nail care easier in dark rooms.
  • It comes in a case that also holds the pads so everything stays together.

Cons

  • This isn’t the cheapest option on our list, especially when you factor in the cost of replacement batteries and pads.
  • Some reviewers say it’s tough to use and difficult to trim the sides of the nails.
  • Some reviewers say the trimmer takes much longer than nail clippers.
Shop now at Amazon.

ProductPriceBest ForSize
FridaBaby NailFrida SnipperClipper Set$$those who want to see what they’re cutting through the clipper3.5 in
ZoLi BUZZ B$$$those planning on cutting nails while their baby sleeps4.5 in
YIVEKO Baby Nail Kit$those wanting a range of clipping options including a fileScissors: 2.83 in, Clippers: 2.44 in, File: 3.54 in, Tweezers: 3.42 in
Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer$$$those who want an electric trimmer to do the cutting for them5 in
Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clippers$those sweating from nervousness about cutting baby nails7.4 in
Tweezerman Baby Manicure Kit $$$those who want a full manicure kit6 in
Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors$those who want to use scissors2.36 in
The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier$those on a tight budget or who have trouble seeing baby nails7.87 in
RHOOST Nail Clipper for Baby$those who want something to adapt as their little one gets bigger2 in
Babygoal Newborn Nail File$those who want to file their baby’s nails3.54 in
Haakaa Electric Nail Care Set$$those who want something the whole family can use5.12 in

Feeling overwhelmed with baby nail clipper options? Here are some things you’ll want to consider as you make your final decision:

  • Type. You’ll want to consider the type of cutter you feel most comfortable using. Nail clippers and scissors are quicker, but carry a higher risk of cutting your little one. On the other hand, files and electric trimmers take longer but carry less risk of injury. When in doubt, you may want to get a kit that includes different types of clippers and files.
  • Safety features. The whole purpose behind baby nail clippers is keeping your baby safe. A good nail clipper should have built-in safety features like blunt edges or edge guards. Some baby nail clippers go even further and include magnifiers and lights to make it easier for you to see what you’re cutting.
  • Grip. Holding a wiggling baby and nail clippers at the time requires a good grasp on the clippers! You’ll want to choose clippers with a handle you feel confident you can keep your grip on.
  • Cost. Nail clippers can range from under $5 to over $40, so you’ll want to consider how much you want to spend and pick one within your budget. Don’t forget to search for sales and coupons, too!

When can you clip baby nails?

You should begin trimming your baby’s nails right away, since baby nails grow quickly and can get pretty sharp. Many babies need their fingernails trimmed weekly. Toenails can grow more slowly, so they may not need to trimming as frequently.

How are baby nail clippers different from adult nail clippers?

Baby nail clippers have smaller, blunter blades. Some also have guards at the edges to help protect against cuts. Additionally, baby nail clippers are typically designed with easy-to-grip, longer handles so you can hold on more easily when your baby begins to squirm.

When can you start using regular nail clippers on a baby?

There’s no firm rule about when you can use regular nail clippers. Since baby nail clippers are really about safety, you’ll want to consider when you feel comfortable having fewer safety measures in place. There’s no need to switch to a regular nail clipper just because your little one has officially reached toddlerhood.

Most nail clippers for infants are fairly straightforward for parents to use, so whatever you end up choosing will likely work well for you and your family.

We hope these suggestions give you information to help guide your decision, so you can easily keep your little one’s nails nice and trimmed.