Baby nail clippers against light pink background.

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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.

Baby fingernails grow at a rapid rate. You may have to trim them more than once a week.

“Why are your little one’s fingernails so important? To help keep dirt and grime from getting under the nail, and to prevent them from scratching their face or other body parts.”

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 can choose from a variety of styles of baby nail clippers.

  • 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 used customer reviews and ratings to understand what features parents liked most.

The best baby nail clippers on the market today will make it easier for you to keep your baby nails clean.

Pricing guide

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

Best overall

Frida Baby NailFrida SnipperClipper Set

  • Price: $$

The makers of the snot sucker have a set of clipper sets. It gives you a peekaboo window, so you can see exactly what you are doing, and hopefully prevent any slipups.

“The curved clipper is used to cut through objects. It comes with a nail file that is designed for small fingers and is close to your baby’s nail.”

Pros

  • The safety spy hole allows adults to see what is being clipped.
  • “The overlap of the clipper’s blades can help you get a clean cut.”
  • The package has a nail file.

Cons

  • “This isn’t the cheapest option.”
  • The clipper is small for small 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 that you can control and a storage case that is great for travel. It can be used through toddlerhood.

Pros

  • The travel case makes it easy to pack.
  • It has two power settings that you can use to your advantage.
  • The replaceable pads are color-coded so you can choose the right one for your baby.

Cons

  • This option costs more than a standard nail clipper.
  • It requires batteries and pads.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best with a nail file

YIVEKO Baby Nail Kit

  • Price: $$

“The kit comes with everything you need to care for your baby’s nails, including scissors and a file. You might think that the file is a better way of keeping your child’s nails in check, but this kit gives you many options.”

The kit also includes some tools.

Pros

  • The kit is in a carrying case.
  • The price is very affordable.
  • The kit has a money back guarantee.

Cons

  • The kit may not be necessary for you.
  • “Some reviewers think the nail clipper isn’t as strong as 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. The front light is anLED and it helps you see what you are doing.

It has a number of control settings, including high or low speed. It has three adult use attachments and is battery-operated.

Pros

  • It has an light that will show you what is being trimmed.
  • The multiple control settings can offer a more precise cut.
  • Three Attachments for Adults are included.

Cons

  • This is a more expensive option since you will need to replace the batteries and pads over time.
  • Reviewers say the trimmer leaves a ragged edge.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best for sweaty palms

Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clippers

  • Price: $

“You will know it doesn’t mess around when you look at it. It might make the task of cutting your baby’s nails less of a chore.”

“The best part? If you dread nail-trimming time, the easy-grip design makes it a great option. You can see what you are doing even in dim lighting with the light that illuminates your baby’s nails.”

Pros

  • The light is bright.
  • The handle is easy to grasp.
  • The price is reasonable.

Cons

  • The clipper is large.
  • The lights make it difficult to see the full nail.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best nail trimming kit

Tweezerman Baby Manicure Kit

  • Price: $$$

“If you want to keep your baby’s nails in tip-top shape, you can purchase a manicure kit. It includes.”

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

Parents say they love how easy it is to use each product and how precise the scissors and clipper are.

Pros

  • The package includes a brush.
  • The large handle of the clipper helps adults keep their grip.
  • The brush can be used to clean under nails.

Cons

  • The carrying kit is not included to keep the parts together when traveling.
  • “This is a more expensive choice if you don’t intend to use all the parts.”
Shop now at Amazon.

Best baby nail scissors

Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors

  • Price: $

“You can trim your newborn’s nails with these nail scissors, they are so easy to use.”

They are less sharp than regular scissors, and their rounded tip helps prevent accidental cuts. The handle is comfortable in either hand and gives you a firm grip.

Pros

  • The handle is comfortable in either hand.
  • The scissors are one of the more affordable options for baby nails.
  • The package has two different colors.

Cons

  • “You might be hesitant to use scissors to cut your baby’s nails, even if they have a rounded tip.”
  • This product does not include a nail file for rough edges.
Shop now at Amazon.

Best for the budget

The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier

  • Price: $

The baby nail clipper is a quality product.

It has an easy grip. The fold-away scepter helps bring the little nails into sharper focus. This is great for babies.

Pros

  • The fold-away scepter helps you see the nails better.
  • The clipper can be used for toddlers.
  • The handle is easy to grip.

Cons

  • It was difficult for some users to keep the magnifier in the right place.
  • Reviewers wish the clipper had a light.
Shop now at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Best to grow with your baby

RHOOST Nail Clipper for Baby

  • Price: $

Many parents want features like this nail clipper.

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

“It is also very affordable and long- lasting. It will likely be useful for the better part of your baby’s childhood.”

Pros

  • The clipper has a grip that is non-slip.
  • It is made from bamboo.
  • The price tag on this clipper is one of the more affordable.

Cons

  • The package does not include a file or scissors.
  • “The clipper blades don’t come together when trimming.”
Shop now at Amazon.

Best nail file

Babygoal Newborn Nail File

  • Price: $

“It may be worth it to know you can’t cut your child in the process of filing nails.”

The nail files are made of long- lasting Czech float glass. The glass construction makes them easy to clean.

The pack of three comes with a case that is easy to clean and keep track of.

Pros

  • “You won’t need to replace a glass nail file as often as you would need to replace other types of nail files.”
  • The pouch is not disposable.
  • The price is reasonable.

Cons

  • Filing is a slower process than cutting.
  • “Some reviewers don’t like the thickness of the file.”
Shop now at Amazon.

Best for the whole family

Haakaa Electric Nail Care Set

  • Price: $$

The electric trimmer is quiet enough to be used while your baby sleeps. It has a light to make nail care easier in the dark. It is easy to shift speeds and directions as you trim since you control both its rotation and speed with one button.

“The colored pads on the 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 box that holds the device and pads fits in for easy storage so you can keep everything together.

Pros

  • The pad options include two for adults.
  • The pads are color-coded so you can easily choose the right one for your baby.
  • The device has an light to make nail care easier.
  • It comes in a case that holds the pads.

Cons

  • “This isn’t the cheapest option on our list, especially when you factor in the cost of replacement batteries and pads.”
  • It is difficult to trim the sides of the nails.
  • Reviewers say the trimmer takes longer than nail clippers.
Shop now at Amazon.

Product Price Best For Size
FridaBaby NailFrida SnipperClipper Set $$ those who want to see what they’re cutting through the clipper 3.5 in
ZoLi BUZZ B $$$ those planning on cutting nails while their baby sleeps 4.5 in
YIVEKO Baby Nail Kit $ those wanting a range of clipping options including a file Scissors: 2.83 in, Clippers: 2.44 in, File: 3.54 in, Tweezers: 3.42 in
Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer $$$ those who want an electric trimmer to do the cutting for them 5 in
Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clippers $ those sweating from nervousness about cutting baby nails 7.4 in
Tweezerman Baby Manicure Kit $$$ those who want a full manicure kit 6 in
Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors $ those who want to use scissors 2.36 in
The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier $ those on a tight budget or who have trouble seeing baby nails 7.87 in
RHOOST Nail Clipper for Baby $ those who want something to adapt as their little one gets bigger 2 in
Babygoal Newborn Nail File $ those who want to file their baby’s nails 3.54 in
Haakaa Electric Nail Care Set $$ those who want something the whole family can use 5.12 in

Are you overwhelmed with baby nail clippers? As you make your final decision, you will want to consider some things.

  • 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?

Baby nails grow quickly and can get pretty sharp, so you should trim them right away. Babies need their fingernails trimmed weekly. The toenails can grow more slowly, so they may not need to trim as frequently.

How are baby nail clippers different from adult nail clippers?

The baby nail clippers have smaller blades. Some have guards at the edges to help protect against cuts. The longer handles on baby nail clippers make it easier to hold on when the baby starts to wriggle.

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

There is no rule about when you can use regular nail clippers. Since baby nail clippers are about safety, you should consider when you feel comfortable having fewer safety measures in place. There is no need to use a nail clipper just because your child is toddler-aged.

Most nail clippers for infants are easy to use, so whatever you choose will work well for you and your family.

“We hope these suggestions will help you make a decision so you can keep your child’s nails nice and trimmed.”