UCEC Decorative Edge Safety Craft Scissors, 6 Pack

While teaching your child to cut items is an essential skill, letting them use a regular pair of scissors with a sharp tip presents dangers that are best avoided. Featuring blunt-tipped blades, safety scissors make it possible to cut lightweight materials such as paper without worries about your child getting accidentally cut in the process. Plus, these scissors come in a kid-friendly size that your child will find easier and more comfortable to use.

Safety scissors come in styles with either plastic or regular metal blades. Intended only for cutting paper, the plastic scissors are ideal for toddlers since they’re the least likely to cut skin. Children who are of at least preschool or kindergarten age get more versatility from safety scissors with metal blades. Designed to cut more materials such as foam and yarn, these scissors sometimes have some plastic over the outside of the blades so that they’re less exposed.

Ergonomics is important when you choose safety scissors for your child. Most pairs measure around 5 inches long to be comfortable for most children, but you can find shorter pairs more suitable for toddlers. The finger holes can vary where most pairs have one hole smaller than the other and work fine for both right- and left-handed kids. However, other scissors may just have two small finger holes and not suit older children.

Most safety scissors look like smaller versions of traditional scissors and cut a straight line. These offer the most versatility for your child both at home and school. However, there are also specialized options that cut decorative patterns such as zig zags. Those come in handy for creative craft projects such as scrapbooking.

While less important than functionality, the safety scissors’ color is worth considering since getting the right one can make the scissors more fun for your child to use. These scissors tend to come in bright colors or have multi-toned styles. You can also find safety scissors with an animal design or plastic decorations like butterflies on them.

• Hand strength and dexterity can be issues for young children, so you might want to look into spring-loaded scissors. The automatic spring makes it easier for your child to open and close the scissors. Plus, some models even let you disable the spring once your child is ready to make cuts without it.
• Some safety scissors with a metal blade will come with a protective cap. Using this cap provides additional safety in case your child accidentally grabs the scissors by the blade, and it also protects the blades from damage.
• If you want a pair of safety scissors that offer good durability and precise cuts, look for those with stainless-steel blades. This material also resists rust.
• If you have a left-handed child, it’s best to buy a pair of safety scissors designed for them. You can either shop around for lefty versions or choose a version suitable for use with either hand. 
• Keep in mind that any pair of safety scissors limits what your child can cut. The blades are designed to be duller, while the tip isn’t sharp enough for creating details. If your child needs to cut thick materials, a small pair of regular scissors is often a better choice, especially if they’re old enough to use such scissors carefully. 
• It’s always a good idea to teach your child how to use their safety scissors and only let them do so under your supervision at first. This is especially true for scissors with metal blades since your child could use them inappropriately to cut their hair or something else they’re not supposed to.
• Make sure your child knows to only use their scissors when they’re seated and not to hold or carry them by the blades.
• Consider buying a pack that includes a few pairs of safety scissors so that your kid will have pairs for multiple locations. This also provides the opportunity to get multiple colors.
• Safety scissors can especially get dirty during craft projects, so be sure to clean them off with soap and water when needed.