Many children relish the opportunity to showcase their unique style, be it through their choice of clothing or accessories. Nail art is yet another creative outlet for them, offering a fun way to express themselves. There’s a wealth of charming nail designs specifically tailored for kids that you can either recreate or use as inspiration for something entirely new. These kid-friendly manicure ideas cater to a range of preferences, from detailed designs to a simple coat of solid color for those little ones always on the move.
Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, clarifies in an email to Romper that there isn’t a specific “ideal age” for painting children’s nails. “It’s a matter of personal preference,” she notes, “and many people prefer to wait until a child is old enough to avoid putting their hands in their mouth.” The concern here is that when children put their fingers in their mouths with nail polish on, they might inadvertently ingest the chemicals and ingredients commonly found in nail polishes.
What adds complexity to the situation is that, even if your child has outgrown thumb-sucking, they may still touch their mouth in various ways, particularly while eating. Consequently, Dr. Garshick advises caregivers to exercise caution when selecting nail products for their children. “It’s advisable to opt for water-based products that are free from certain chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, and DiButyl Phthalate (DBP),” she suggests. She specifically recommends brands such as Piggy Paint, Ella + Mia, and Suncoat Girl for their safety.
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If you happen to have a selection of non-toxic nail polish shades at your disposal, you can utilize them to recreate some of these delightful nail designs for kids.