You take on many roles as a parent, and if you help to trim and cut your child’s toenails, you can add podiatrist to that list! Cutting your toddler or child’s toenails can be a difficult task, and it can lead to additional issues if it isn’t done properly, so you want to approach the process in the right way. In today’s blog, we share five tips for simplifying the process of cutting your child’s toenails.
Tips For Cutting Your Kids’ Toenails
You’re probably going to be in charge of cutting your child’s toenails for years, especially if they aren’t exactly precise at other delicate tasks. So how can you make this process a bit easier and help to keep your child’s feet healthy and injury free? Keep these tips in mind:
Demonstrate On Yourself – If your child is afraid of the trimmer or hesitant to let you get close to their toenails, show them that there is nothing to be afraid of by demonstrating on yourself. Show them how quick and painless the process can be by cutting a couple of your toenails.
Distract – The key to a quick and easy toenail cutting session revolves around how simple it is to keep your kid still. Throw on a television episode or have the other parent read them a book while you work on their toenails, and they’ll be less likely to move all over because their attention is elsewhere.
Incentivize – Some people also find it easier to incentivize their children or use an incentive as a distraction during the nail cutting process. A snack is a popular option, and it’s a lot easier for your child to eat a snack when you’re cutting their toenails instead of their fingernails!
Routine – Many kids do better when the toenail cutting process becomes part of a regular routine. Perhaps it’s something you do on Sunday nights after they’ve had a bath, or you always do it while you’re reading books before bed. Try to make the process a normal part of your regular routine.
Cut Correctly – As we talk about in this blog, it’s important that you cut your child’s toenails correctly so that they are not at risk for ingrown toenails. Trim the nail straight across and resist the urge to round the corners, otherwise you could be increasing their risk of developing ingrown toenails. Also be sure not to trim them too low, as this can be painful as well. Leave a bit of white on each nail, any lower and you risk causing discomfort.
And as always, if you or your child need assistance with an ingrown toenail issue or another foot-related problem, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot for help. Give us a call today at (952) 244-8500.
