Nail Polish For Babies: Is It Safe Or Unsafe?

It is fun to apply nail polish to babies’ little toenails and fingernails. Baby nail polish may look adorable, and many moms love to twin with their little one on special occasions with matching nails. However, it should be considered whether nail polish is safe for babies and whether there are nail polishes exclusively for babies?

It is recommended to use non-toxic and safe nail polishes for your baby. Most standard adult nail polishes and paints may contain chemicals that are harmful to babies.

Read on to know about the safety of baby nail polish, the right age to use nail polish, and the dos and don’ts.

Is It Safe To Paint Baby’s Nails?

The safety of nail polish for babies depends on its ingredients. Standard nail polish could contain ingredients, such as toluene, which are toxic and could cause a host of problems, including those affecting the nervous system (1). Some other potentially harmful ingredients present include plasticizers, hardening agents, and solvents.

Babies tend to put their hands in their mouth, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion of nail polish and its harmful chemicals. Some nail polish chemicals, such as formaldehyde, may even cause allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis (2). Therefore, nail polish meant for adults is potentially unsafe for the baby.

If you wish to use nail polish, you may consider those specially made for babies. These nail polishes are non-toxic, have a mild odor, free from harsh chemicals, and have a water-based composition. They are also usually free from potential allergens, such as gluten, soy, and animal-sourced by-products.

When Can You Paint Your Baby’s Fingernails?

You may paint the baby’s fingernails after they have stopped the habit of sucking at their thumbs and fingers.It reduces the risk of accidental ingestion of nail polish. Thumb and finger sucking usually stops in toddlerhood —between the ages of two and four years (3). Also, toddlers between these ages are likely to understand instructions better, and, thus, can understand that nail polish is for external use only. So, it is recommended to avoid baby manicures and pedicures until after your baby crosses the two-year mark.

When Can You Paint Your Baby’s Toenails?

Since toenails are harder to reach, some babies may not suck at them at all. Babies who suck at toenails may stop doing so by the age of 12 months, which is when they begin walking with support (cruising) (4). Keep a watch on your baby to see when they stop sucking their toenails. Once they do, you may apply nail polish on their toenails.

Nail Polish Chemicals That Might Be Toxic For Your Baby

A nail polish meant for adults could contain several toxic compounds. The following are some of the notable potentially harmful chemicals often present in standard nail polish.

1. Toluene: It is the most commonly used solvent and stabilizer in nail polishes. Long-term exposure to toluene could lead to respiratory issues and nervous system disorders and developmental issues (1). Exposure to even minute amounts of the compound may induce headache and dizziness.

2. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): DBP is an odorless emulsifying agent that ensures the flowing consistency of the nail polish. It is considered carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure to this chemical may increase the risk of liver and kidney disorders (5).  It has also been linked to reproductive issues. The chemical is banned in several countries.

3. Formaldehyde: It is often added to nail polish to aid its hardening. Formaldehyde also prevents the flaking of dried nail polish. This chemical is considered carcinogenic (nasal and lung cancers) and is an irritant to the eye and respiratory tract. It may also lead to skin irritation (6).

4. Camphor: It provides the nail polish a glossy look for a long time. The compound is considered a neurological toxin. The ingestion of even small quantities of the compound could increase the risk of disorientation and seizures among babies (7).
   

5. Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP): It is added to nail polish as a plasticizer, which is a compound that keeps the nail polish thick yet flowy (8). The compound could increase the risk of skin allergy on skin contact. Also, accidental ingestion may affect the liver, kidneys, and nervous system (9).

6. Phthalates: These are added as plasticizers to nail polishes (10). The compound could cause skin irritation and may adversely affect various organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs (11).

Nail polish meant for babies is free from these compounds and thus safe. Nevertheless, check for the ingredients on the nail polish bottle. You may even contact the manufacturer of nail polish for babies to know more about the product’s specific ingredients.

Dos And Don’ts While Painting Your Baby’s Nails

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you have decided to paint your baby’s nails.

Dos

• Keep the baby still to avoid accidental rubbing of paint on their bodies.
• Avoid accidentally dripping the nail polish on the baby’s clothes to minimize skin contact.
• Apply nail polish in a well-ventilated room so that the nail polish fumes and fragrance does not persist for too long.
• Try choosing light or transparent colors as they might not tempt your babies to suck their fingers.
  
• Nail polish application should be reserved for special occasions. Polish-free period allows nails to regain their normal color, moisture, and texture.

Don’ts

• Do not keep the nail polishes within the baby’s reach.
• Let the nail polish or acrylic paint dry before you leave the baby.
• Do not let the paint come in contact with the skin around the nails, cuticle, and the fingers.
• Repeated application of even non-toxic nail polish could damage a baby’s delicate nails. Hence, do not apply nail polish frequently.

How To Paint A Baby’s Nails?

Here are some tips to follow to have a smooth nail painting experience with your baby.

• Place the baby on a high chair before application. It will allow easier access to the fingernails and toenails. Place a toy in front of the baby or talk to them while applying nail polish. Apply the basecoat and topcoat with a brush to one hand at a time. If you wish to add some sparkle, you may consider using nail polish with shimmer and glitter. Hold the hand while the nail polish dries to prevent accidental ingestion. Older toddlers could also be taught not to ingest the nail polish.

• Paint the nails with vibrant colors such as pink, blue, purple, green, and yellow while the baby is asleep. It could be a good option if your baby often attempts to put their fingers in the mouth immediately after application of the nail polish. Do make sure you place a cover beneath their nails to prevent your bed sheets from getting dirty.

Nail polish for kids may seem unsafe to parents as it may be ingested by mistake. But parents there’s no need to worry as we bring you the procedure to make kid-friendly edible nail polish!