Frida Baby SnipperClipper Set: how to cut your baby's nails safely

The SnipperClipper Set is a baby nail clipper with a spyhole window above the blades and a guard that keeps the blade away from the fingertip, plus a file for smoothing the edges. It is designed for use from birth through toddlerhood.

What is in the set

• The SnipperClipper nail clipper with spyhole and guard, with curved, nickel-free stainless steel blades.
• A curved S-shaped baby nail file.
• A storage case.

How to cut your baby's nails

1. Choose the moment: deep sleep after a feed, or straight after a warm bath when nails are soft. Avoid times when your baby is hungry, tired or has just woken with a startle.
2. Hold the finger between your thumb and forefinger and press the pad of the fingertip down, away from the nail.
3. Look through the spyhole. It shows how much nail is in the cutting mouth and whether any skin is, so adjust before you squeeze.
4. Snip in small sections along the natural curve of the nail. One or two small snips is usually enough. Leave a sliver of white.
5. Smooth the edges with the S-file so there are no sharp corners.

How often to trim

Many Australian nurses suggest filing only for the first two to four weeks, while newborn nails are paper-soft and close to the skin. If your newborn is scratching, file first.

• Newborn, 0 to 3 months: File only for the first two to four weeks, then clip fingernails every one to two weeks and toenails every three to four weeks
• 3 to 12 months: Fingernails every one to two weeks, toenails every three to four weeks
• Toddler: Fingernails every one to two weeks, toenails every two to three weeks

Care

• Rinse and dry the clipper and file after use.
• Keep them in the storage case between uses.
• Toenails are thicker and grow more slowly, and the clipper copes with them too.