Is It Safe to Paint Your Toddler's Nails? (2024)

FAQs

Is It Safe to Paint Your Toddler's Nails? ›

Many traditional nail polishes contain chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, which can be harmful, especially to young children who frequently put their fingers in their mouths. Look for safer alternatives such as water-based or non-toxic nail polishes explicitly labeled as safe for children.

Understanding Nail Polish Ingredients

Some polishes have the ingredient like formaldehyde and toluene that aren't friendly to kids. This chemical might cause allergies or skin problems, so it's best to avoid them.

Small ingestions of nail polish may produce mild irritation to the mouth, throat and upset stomach (cramping, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea), but these symptoms should resolve on their own.

Traditional nail polish made for adults isn't always the best idea for young kids, especially if they're still in the habit of thumb or finger sucking. Some adult nail polishes have formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates, which can be toxic if ingested.

My son started asking me to paint his toenails and sometimes fingernails at 2-2.5, and I was fine with that. He used to ask for "Hulk toes" (green and purple) or "Flash toes" (red and gold" or "Spiderman toes" (red and blue). As soon as she decided she wanted to wear it she got it.

Kids under the age of 12 should not use gel polish without adult supervision. When using gel polish on your child, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. This will ensure that the polish is applied and removed properly, without causing any damage to your child's nails. And don't forget to have fun with it!

Many commenters agree with the parent's impulses: it's not hurting anyone to paint your toddler's toenails. One even pointed out, “My son has his nails painted all the time. You don't use nail polish with your vulva, so it is neither a girl nor a boy product.” Nail polish has no gender.

Is nail polish toxic? Nail polish is minimally toxic in small amounts. Ingredients vary by product and brand, but ingesting nail polish can cause mild irritation in the stomach or intestines.

Many traditional nail polishes contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful, especially to young children whose bodies are still developing.

While some experts think exposure to nail polish could be harmful to your fetus, there's no clear evidence that the occasional manicure or pedicure is unsafe. The good news is nail polishes by popular brands OPI, Sally Hansen and Essie are 3-free.

Can I use regular nail polish on my 3 year old? ›

Adult nail polishes may can contain things such as formaldehyde and pthalates, which are toxic if they're ingested. "It's an issue if the child sucks on her fingers or eats the polish. Adults typically won't do this," says cosmetic chemist Joe Cincotta.

Finger Nails - should be kept clean and tidy, no chipped nail varnish. Polish should be of a light colour to enable visual checks of cleanliness under the nail edge. Length must be considered, to ensure practicality and use, poising no danger of scratching or catching a child accidentally.

Piggy Paint - Safe, Non-Toxic Nail Polish for Kids.

Safe Polish Options

Amid growing concern from parents, some companies have developed safer polish options for little fingers and toes. Brands like Hopscotch Kids and Piggy Paint provide water-based nail polishes and polish removers that are free of dangerous chemicals.

*Original information: OPI Nail Polish boasts about not having the toxic trio (toluene, formaldehyde, and DPB) but, it has other ingredients that aren't the greatest: camphor, which can cause nausea and dizziness if inhaled, and Benzophenone 1, which may negatively affect the endocrine system.

Nail polish can dry out your nails: TRUE

"Leaving your nail polish on for too long can dry out the nails, leaving them brittle," says Dr. Curry. "Thin, brittle nails pose a health hazard because the nail is a barrier to keep out bacteria and fungus."

Once your baby can sit up, it's a great time to introduce your child to finger painting! Finger paint is washable and typically has a gelatinous texture that's smooth and satisfying to touch and spread around with your fingers.

Though acrylic paints labeled “non-toxic” are safe, it's best that young toddlers stick to other craft paints. As toddlers tend to put their fingers in their mouths, choosing one of the previously mentioned paint types would be a safer choice altogether.

Their young skin is super soft and won't tolerate strong products. And, if they nibble their nails or suck their thumbs, they shouldn't use nail polish that contains harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Indeed, many adult manicure products and techniques aren't great for kids, whether they suck their fingers or not!

To make sure you're safe, either use the OPI colors above, which EWG backs up as nontoxic, or check out safe nail polish brands like SOPHi by Piggy Paint. Originally a safe polish for children, Piggy Paint decided to branch out into safe products for adults.