Children often delight in showcasing their unique personalities and style, whether it’s through their clothing choices or accessories. Another charming outlet for self-expression is nail art, offering a plethora of adorable designs that kids can either recreate or use as inspiration for their own imaginative twists. From intricate designs for patient little artists to quick, solid color coatings for the energetic ones eager to resume play, there’s a range of kid-friendly manicure ideas to explore.
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According to dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to start painting children’s nails. In an email to Romper, she emphasizes that the decision is a matter of personal preference. Dr. Garshick notes that many parents prefer to wait until a child is old enough to resist putting their hands in their mouth. This precaution is essential because, when adorned with polish, little fingers in mouths may mean inadvertent ingestion of the chemicals and ingredients commonly found in nail polishes.
The challenge lies in the fact that even if a child has outgrown thumb-sucking, they may still engage in hand-to-mouth behaviors, particularly while eating. Dr. Garshick advises caregivers to exercise caution in their choice of nail products for children. She recommends opting for water-based polishes that are free of specific chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, and DiButyl Phthalate (DBP). Among her preferred brands are Piggy Paint, Ella + Mia, and Suncoat Girl.
Armed with a selection of non-toxic nail polish shades, you can bring these expert tips to life by recreating some of these delightful nail designs for your little ones.