9 of the best baby nail scissors, clippers and files 2024
DO YOU NEED BABY NAIL SCISSORS?
A baby’s nails need to be trimmed regularly otherwise they may scratch themselves. The best, most hygienic and safest way to do this is with baby scissors, clippers or files. These are designed for a baby’s tiny nails and often have features to make them easier to use.
But when they are still a newborn their nails are quite soft so you could carefully peel the ends of the nails off. It’s best not to bite them off as you could transfer germs from your mouth and can’t see exactly what you’re doing.
If you’re feeling confident and are very careful, you could use just normal nail scissors.
Which is best: baby scissors, clippers or files?
This is entirely down to personal preference and often what you are used to using on yourself. But a file is probably the best option if you are very nervous about accidentally cutting your baby’s skin.
The features to look out for
Rounded ends: Baby nail scissors usually have rounded ends to prevent accidents.
Magnifying glass: A built-in magnifying glass will help you see exactly what you’re doing and avoid any nicks.
A light: This also enhances your vision and also means you could cut your baby’s nails at night while they sleep.
Healthcare kits: These will often include baby scissors, clippers and files as well as many other items you might find useful like a comb, thermometer and nasal aspirator.
When do you start cutting a baby’s nails?
Some babies are born with quite long nails so it’s good to be prepared with something to cut them. You can also use scratch mitts.
Tip for cutting baby nails
If you’re finding it hard to cut your baby’s nails as they wriggle around a lot, try doing it when they are asleep.
THE BEST BABY NAIL SCISSORS, CLIPPERS AND FILES
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. The First Years nail clipper with magnifier
Baby nail clippers with a built-in magnifying glass to help you clearly see their tiny nails and avoid snipping the skin.
Precision stainless steel blades.
Easy to grip handles.
Suitable from birth.
2. Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Heathcare and grooming kit
As well as nail scissors and clippers there is a digital oral thermometer, nasal aspirator, toothbrush, brush, comb and two emery boards.
The scissors have rounded ends for safety.
They all come in a handy pouch.
3. Philips Avent Baby Care set
A baby care set which includes baby nail scissors and clippers and three baby nail files.
It also contains a brush, comb, digital thermometer, nasal aspirator and finger toothbrush.
Comes in a zipped case.
4. Tommee Tippee Essentials Baby Nail Clippers
Good value baby nail clippers.
Suitable to use from birth.
The clipping part is rounded for safety.
5. Tommee Tippee Essentials baby scissors
Great value scissors with rounded edges.
Easy to hold handles.
Suitable from birth.
6. STYLFILE Nipper Clipper
These baby nail clippers have a safety spy hole so your baby’s nails can be much more easily seen while cutting them.
Suitable from newborn until four years old.
Comes with a curved nail file, that has been designed for tiny nails.
Also included is a ‘Timmy Tickle Baby’ app to distract children while you cut their nails.
7. Baby Nails - the Thumble
If you want to avoid scissors and clippers, this is a nail file designed for babies.
You wear it on your thumb and gently file down the baby’s nails.
It is flexible so can fit all sizes of thumbs.
Suitable from newborn.
Comes in a drawstring pouch.
8. Tommee Tippee electric baby nail file
An electric baby nail file, designed to gently and safely trim a baby’s nails but also suitable for adults to use.
Comes with five filing heads. Three are for a baby: one for 0-3 months, one for 3-12 months and one for 12 months plus. Two are for an adult for shaping and polishing the nail.
Quiet operation and an LED light so it can be used when a baby is sleeping.
Comes with a travel case.
Battery operated. Requires x2 AA batteries (not included).
9. MEGAINVO ELECTRIC BABY NAIL FILE
An electric nail file set that can be used with both babies and adults.
Suitable from newborn.
It has a whisper-quiet motor so you could even try using it while your baby sleeps.
There is an LED light so you can clearly see what you are doing.
Comes with different coloured pads for 0-3 months, 4-11 months and 12+ months.
Battery operated.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Baby baths • bath thermometers • baby washcloths • baby hairbrushes and combs • baby body lotions • baby hats • baby monitors • baby blankets • muslin cloths
FROM THE BLOG
Pre-loved, pre-owned, vintage, hand-me-downs, nearly new. The fact that euphemisms exist for second-hand suggests that it’s still considered preferable to buy new baby products. But what if you can’t afford it, are on a budget or just want to try and reduce waste and live more sustainably? What baby items can you safely get second-hand and what should you avoid?