Nails - Help!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

So, ever since she was born, DD has hated getting her nails trimmed. I tried while she was sleeping, nursing, distracted, having DH do it. Now, it's ridiculous. Can't file them, can't cut them, can't bite them. Filing is what works the best because it does the least damage, but I literally have to pull some WWE stuff on her, and by the end, we're both sweating, and she's sobbing. Cutting results in lots of bleeding because she thrashes, and biting downs work because her skin grows under the nail too far (if that makes any sense). She now has a huge scratch across her face from her nails - I'm so frustrated with what should be an easy thing.

Any tips or suggestions (or volunteers)

[Pollyanna]

I would probably stop trying. Not give up but just let the issue rest. Then in a month or two, or three (I would likely wait closer to three months) I would take her to buy new nail scissors (we only use the small scissors because they are easier and safer, imo, than the clippers). Make it a fun little outing and tell her that these will help her so she doesn't cut her face with her nails. Then when you get home ask her if she wants mommy to show her how these fun scissors work and gently cut one nail with her cuddled on your lap. If she doesn't fight it then ask her if she'd like you to cut another nail and so on and so forth. For whatever reason cutting her nails is scary for her (and you, lol), this will put her in control so she is no longer fearful.

[Deebs]

I also use the small, curved scissors for my kids. Maybe just cover her hands for the time being?

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I also use the small, curved scissors for my kids. Maybe just cover her hands for the time being?

With what? Duct tape? This kid is all sorts of wild - pulls socks off, would pull her shirt off if it wasn't a onesie!

I'll try the curved scissors - I just don't know how much better she'll be at 14/15 months! Part of me thinks it might be a sensory issue? She HATES having her ears touched, doesn't like to cuddle, refuses hats and socks...

[Pollyanna]

I just don't know how much better she'll be at 14/15 months! Part of me thinks it might be a sensory issue? She HATES having her ears touched, doesn't like to cuddle, refuses hats and socks...

She may still have sensory issues at 14/15 months but she will be better able to get involved with buying the scissors and will also better understand when you talk to her about it. For some of our kiddos I just did one or two nails at a time. The goal is to make it either her idea or and idea that she will at least put up with.

[Deebs]

I'm a mean mom. I was thinking duct tape, actually (don't report me to CPS), but just while she's sleeping. A onesie with gloves duct taped. In writing, that sounds terrible, but I have a kid who would scratch herself until she got infections on her face.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Not terrible - I was thinking mitten clips, too, but she would strangle herself somehow. So, duct tape seems much more reasonable/safe. Poor duct tape, it gets such a bad rap

[MrsK]

I got a graco nail clipper that has a little light on it. The light is intended to help you see but my boys were/are facinated by the light. They clamor to have their nails cut because the clipper looks so cool. Maybe you can try something like that?

[ladymoreta]

I agree with trying a different brand of clippers. A bad one will make it even more miserable! These are the ones I have, and I love them. http://www.diapers.com/p/the-first-y...agnifier-30341

I guess I'm a mean mommy, but I just do it in spite of the crying. I usually turn on the TV to something with a lot of singing, and I make a lot of goofy sounds and try to distract her as much as possible. Sometimes I'll let her hold my phone or the monitor (usually a big no-no). She still ends up crying by the time we're done, and I usually have her in a death grip involving my arms and legs, but they're trimmed.

Just doing one or two at a time I a great idea. I may actually start doing that!

[Thirteen]

I agree with trying a different brand of clippers. A bad one will make it even more miserable! These are the ones I have, and I love them. http://www.diapers.com/p/the-first-y...agnifier-30341

I guess I'm a mean mommy, but I just do it in spite of the crying. I usually turn on the TV to something with a lot of singing, and I make a lot of goofy sounds and try to distract her as much as possible. Sometimes I'll let her hold my phone or the monitor (usually a big no-no). She still ends up crying by the time we're done, and I usually have her in a death grip involving my arms and legs, but they're trimmed.

Just doing one or two at a time I a great idea. I may actually start doing that!

I agree with Laurie. DS always acts like I am performing an exorcism. However, that also might just be his toddler showing, so there's that.


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[GreyhoundsRUs]

Oh my goodness. So, I finally got the round-tipped scissors last night. A few minutes ago, I played up the packaging big, let her help open them, showed her how they worked. I don't know what was magic about it, but she sat in front of me and let me cut one hand's worth of nails! You guys are the best

[Deebs]

Isn't it amazing, the weird things kids make you grateful for? I'm glad she let you cut them!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Isn't it amazing, the weird things kids make you grateful for? I'm glad she let you cut them!

Seriously! It's funny how many times I thank her for doing things like not sticking her hand in her diaper or not licking the dog's nose

And - I cut the other hand, too! Although it was trickier, because it was the hand she holds her toys with