Nail cutting for children with sensory needs

Nail cutting can be stressful for some children with sensory needs. They may try to avoid it.

The feeling, sound or thought of cutting nails might make them anxious.

But there are things you can do to make nail cutting easier and more comfortable for your child.

Why nail cutting can be hard

Your child may not like having their nails cut because they:

• have discomfort with touch or pressure on nails
• get upset by the sound of nail clippers or scissors
• do not like when fingers or toes are moved
• are afraid or worried due to a past experience

How to help make nail cutting easier

Before you start:

• choose a quiet, familiar place where your child feels safe
• dim bright lights if they make your child uncomfortable
• warm hands or feet with a damp cloth to soften nails and help relaxation
• gather everything you need so you do not have to stop and start

Involve your child

To help your child feel included:

• explain the steps using simple words or pictures
• let them practice on a doll or pretend to cut your nails first
• give them choices, like what time to do it, which finger or toe to start with, or which tool to use

Desensitise gradually

To help your child build up tolerance:

• start with just touch, like a gentle hand or foot rub
• let them explore the nail clippers or scissors without using them
• trim one nail at a time and do more as they get comfortable with it

Adapt the process

To find what works best for your child:

• try small, quiet nail scissors if they don't like clippers
• use a nail file to smooth nails instead of cutting them
• cut nails after a bath when they are softer and easier to trim

Add calming sensory input

To help calm your child:

• massage hands and feet or give them a hand fidget before cutting
• let your child press their hands together or squeeze a stress ball before and after cutting
• use a weighted blanket or shoulder pad if your child is sitting up

Make it fun

Make it fun for your child by:

• telling a fun story about cutting nails, like making them shiny and neat like a superhero's
• distract them with music, a short video or a favourite toy
• offer small rewards or praise after each nail is done

Tips for specific sensory needs

Tactile sensitivity

If your child has discomfort with touch or pressure on their nails:

• choose tools that have rounded edges and soft grips
• keep sessions short so your child doesn't feel overwhelmed
• use a firm, steady touch instead of a light one

Auditory sensitivity

If your child gets upset by the sound of nail clippers or scissors:

• use quiet tools like a hand scissors
• let your child use noise-reducing headphones, or let them hum or sing to block out sounds

Proprioceptive sensitivity

If your child does not like when fingers or toes are moved:

• let your child hold the scissors or clippers to feel more in control
• try a reclined position or a beanbag for extra comfort

Emotional support

If your child is afraid or worried due to a past experience:

• use calm words, like “we'll go slowly and you can tell me when to stop.”
• give choices, like asking “which nail should we do next?”

Track progress

To help improve the experience for your child:

• keep a record of what worked and what did not
• increase the number of nails over time as your child gets more comfortable