My husband is going to be attending podiatry school in the fall and told me that I should blog about toddlers and toenails. I laughed at first, but here I am, blogging about toddlers and toenails.
Trimming:
Trimming nails can be a challenge to say the least. Trimming the nails of a toddler can be even more of a challenge. But there are some things that you can do to make the process of trimming a little easier.
1: Set a good example. Often times if a toddler sees you do something, they will want to do it too!
2: Tell you child what you are doing to them. Tell them what will happen and what it feels like.
3: Explain to your child what happens if nails are not taken care of.
4: Let your toddler hold the clippers and show them what each part is for.
5: Soak their toes in warm (not hot) water. When you soak their nails it softens them, making it easier for you to cut and probably less painful for your toddler. I’m pretty sure your toddler would not oppose to splashing their feet in warm water for a few minutes.
6: If your toddler is fidgety, wiggly, squirmy, etc. Try trimming their toenails while they are distracted. You can set them on the countertop (Be sure not to leave them alone at all times!) and give them a snack or coloring book while you trim their toenails.
7: Try doing it while they are asleep. If your child is a sound sleeper, then trim their nails while they are taking a nap or after they have gone to bed for the night.
Minor foot problems many parents are not aware of:
• Athlete's foot This is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy, moist rash. It's not very common in babies and toddlers, but it can occur if you take your child swimming a lot as the fungus thrives in warm damp areas, for example, between wet toes. Prevent it by drying in between toes properly after baths and swimming, and treat with anti-fungal cream or powder from your GP if it does occur.
• Blisters These are commonly caused by ill-fitting socks or shoes and can be quite nasty as your baby or toddler can't necessarily tell you that something is rubbing or their foot hurts. Have your child's shoes rechecked in case her width fitting or size has changed and leave off socks and shoes to allow the blister to dry up. Don't be tempted to burst a blister as you could introduce infection.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood viral infection that causes blisters on the mouth, hands and feet, possibly accompanied by a slight fever. It usually resolves itself within a few days, but let the skin breathe by leaving off socks and shoes at home.
• Ingrowing toenails Reddened or swollen skin at the side of your child's toenails could indicate an ingrowing toenail, usually caused by incorrect cutting of the toenails. Make sure you cut your child's toe- and hand nails straight across, rather than in a curve, and file away sharp edges if necessary. If your child complains of sore toenails, ask your GP or health visitor to take a look.
• Verrucas Small warts on the feet, often with a black speck, or "root", at their centre, that are most often picked up at the swimming baths. Encourage older children to wear flip-flops or protective footwear around the poolside and carry toddlers if possible. Most disappear within two years of appearing, but can be treated if necessary - ask your GP's advice. Cross infection is common so give your child their own bathmat and towel if they've got veruccas.
• Blisters These are commonly caused by ill-fitting socks or shoes and can be quite nasty as your baby or toddler can't necessarily tell you that something is rubbing or their foot hurts. Have your child's shoes rechecked in case her width fitting or size has changed and leave off socks and shoes to allow the blister to dry up. Don't be tempted to burst a blister as you could introduce infection.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood viral infection that causes blisters on the mouth, hands and feet, possibly accompanied by a slight fever. It usually resolves itself within a few days, but let the skin breathe by leaving off socks and shoes at home.
• Ingrowing toenails Reddened or swollen skin at the side of your child's toenails could indicate an ingrowing toenail, usually caused by incorrect cutting of the toenails. Make sure you cut your child's toe- and hand nails straight across, rather than in a curve, and file away sharp edges if necessary. If your child complains of sore toenails, ask your GP or health visitor to take a look.
• Verrucas Small warts on the feet, often with a black speck, or "root", at their centre, that are most often picked up at the swimming baths. Encourage older children to wear flip-flops or protective footwear around the poolside and carry toddlers if possible. Most disappear within two years of appearing, but can be treated if necessary - ask your GP's advice. Cross infection is common so give your child their own bathmat and towel if they've got veruccas.
Painting Toe Nails:
Many parents like to paint their little girl’s toe nails. However it is sometimes difficult to find a nail polish that is SAFE for children. Many nail polishes contain harmful chemicals for not just young children, but for adults as well. Make sure that you avoid nail polishes with DBP, Formaldehyde, and touene. There are many water-based nail polishes out on the market that are available. When looking for nail polish, look for bottles that are first of all non-toxic and second, water based. A great product for little girls is Piggy Paint http://www.piggypaint.com/ It is a great alternative to regular nail polish.
No comments:
Post a Comment