Healthy Nails for Happy Kids: Tips for Nail Care
We all love seeing kids run around, playing, and enjoying life without a care in the world. One of the things that add to their cuteness is a set of healthy nails. After all, nothing spells a clean, well-groomed kid than tidy nails.
When it comes to taking care of kids, nail care is often overlooked, or even neglected. However, maintaining proper nail hygiene and overall nail health is essential not just for aesthetics but also for their well-being.
In this article, we delve deeper into nail care for kids: why it matters, best practices to follow, and how to make nail care fun for your little ones.
Why Nail Care for Kids Matters
Children are naturally curious and adventurous. They play games, run around, dig dirt, and climb trees, which exposes them to various microbes and bacteria that can be harmful to their health.
While it is impossible to avoid all of these pathogens, it is essential to keep their hands and nails clean. Children’s nails, especially, can harbor dirt and grime that can cause infections if not cleaned correctly.
Moreover, children are prone to biting their nails, which is one of the most common habits found in children. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, 30% of children between the ages of 7 and 10 and 45% of teenagers bite their nails.
Frequent nail-biting can cause an array of problems such as damage to nail beds, infection, and even abdominal issues if nails and fingers are continually in the mouth.
Teaching your kids proper nail care not only benefits their health but also protects them from all sorts of problems.
Best Practices for Nail Care in Kids
- Cleaning
For starters, keeping your child’s nails clean is an essential aspect of nail care. It is advisable to clean your child’s nails regularly either by washing with soap and warm water or using a nail brush. Cleaning should be done at a minimum of once a day, preferably before bedtime.
When cleaning the nails, pay attention to the spaces around the nails. Dirt and grime can hide in these spaces, leading to future infections.
- Clipping
Trimming nails is important in maintaining healthy nails. Long nails tend to accumulate dirt and harbors bacteria that can cause infections and lead to nail damage. To avoid this, keep nails trimmed short.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents use nail clippers for children in place of scissors. Scissors can cause accidental cuts on the skin, leading to further complications. Use a nail clipper with sharp, round edges, and avoid trimming too close to the skin.
- Filing
After trimming nails, it is best to file them down to smooth out any rough edges. If you don’t file the nails down, they can snag on clothes or hair, leading to painful snags.
It is best to use an emery board or a nail file specifically designed for kids. These files have a softer grit, making them smooth to the touch, and less likely to hurt your child if they accidentally file their skin. Additionally, avoid filing nails in a sawing motion. Instead, move the file in one direction to avoid damaging the sides of the nails.
- Moisturizing
One of the most overlooked aspects of nail care is moisturizing. It is essential to keep nails moisturized to avoid nails from becoming brittle and breaking or cracking. After washing your child’s hands or feet, apply lotion to the nail bed and surrounding cuticles.
A reputable moisturizer should have ingredients that contain vitamin E, aloe vera, or jojoba oil, which are excellent at promoting nail growth and keeping nails hydrated.
- Avoiding harsh chemicals
Nail treatments such as nail polish or gel make nails look chic and beautiful. However, it is essential to be cautious when using such products on your child’s nails.
Children’s nails are delicate and can be sensitive to harsh chemicals found in various nail products. Always choose products that are safe for kids and bear in mind that less is more. Use limited amounts of nail polish or gel, and allow ample time for it to dry completely before they touch anything that could damage the polish.
- Encouraging Healthy Habits
Teaching your child healthy habits should start early on. One healthy habit that should be encouraged is encouraging your child to use a hand sanitizer to eliminate germs and avoid infection.
If your child is of age, discourage them from biting their nails, or you can use nail polish that has a bitter taste. Sucking fingers and thumbs can also cause nail damage and deformities.
Make Nail Care Fun for Your Kids
Children love to have fun, and trying to have them sit down to clip or file their nails can be a daunting task. However, there are several ways to make nail care enjoyable for your kids.
- Make it a game
Make nail clipping and other nail care activities fun for your child by turning them into games. Include effects and sound effects to make the activities more exciting.
- Use non-toxic kid-friendly nail polish
Using non-toxic kid-friendly nail polish is a sure way of making nail care fun. Kid-friendly polish comes in various colors, allowing your child to pick their favorite. Encourage rewards after nail care, such as playing their favorite game or having their favorite snack.
- Get creative
Experiment nail art with your child to make it more exciting. You can include unique patterns or funky colors. It can teach your child creativity and inspire them to practice good nail hygiene.
Conclusion
In conclusion, healthy nails for happy kids cut across various aspects of grooming. Parents and guardians should take the responsibility of teaching their kids proper nail hygiene and nail health.
Cleaning of nails, nail trimming, filing, moisturizing, avoiding harsh chemicals, and teaching children healthy habits should all be part of the nail care routine.
By making nail care fun, parents can ensure their child will look forward to the routine and grow to appreciate it. In the end, the results will not only be healthy nails but also confident and happy kids.