Mommy and Me Manicure

It is too early for a 5 y/o to be experiencing manicures!

I don't think 5 is too young to have nail polish. My daughter is 5 and I took her with me once. BUT, since my daughter does suck her thumb still I do not let her have any on her finger nails. Only toes.

Nail polish is pretty toxic, especially for our kids whose bodies are still developing. It may be possible to find a salon who uses more "body-friendly" nail polish. Does your daughter put her hands in her mouth often. These chemicals will go right into her system. These are some of the ingredients in most nail polish/nail polish remover:
Acetone: Solvent in nail polish remover, polish; can cause nose, throat and eye irritation, headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness and possibly coma, and shortening of the menstrual cycle.

Dibutyl phthalate: Plasticizer in nail polish; easily absorbed through the skin and intestinal tract and can cross the placenta into the fetus; can cause development problems in the male genitals of humans and rats; exposed pregnant rodents have fewer live pups and smaller offspring.

Toluene: Solvent in nail polish remover and nail treatments; low levels can cause tiredness, weakness, drunken-type actions, memory loss, nausea, loss of appetite, and hearing and color vision loss; high levels can cause birth defects in children including retarded mental abilities and growth.

Aluminum powder: Can cause Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Enhanced skin absorption, Occupational hazards

Almost any nail salon can do designs. Your best bet is to call and ask shops in your area. Visit them to see if they are clean shops, do they sterilize the tools etc. Ask about a child's manicure prices. Keep in mind that most shops charge for designs, one charge for toes and another for for fingers. Tell them upfront what you want. A birthday is a perfect reason for this special treat. My daughter did the same thing for her 5th but it was also with two friends. The manicurist asked the girls what they wanted, after I told them what was ok. I ended up with a HUGE bill, they did not get the big tip I had budgeted for. :( It was a memory maker day for my daughter and her friends.

I think 5 is too young for a full-on professional manicure but you said you already promised her so I don't know if you can back out now. Has she had polish on her nails before? If not, would she be just as happy if you put it on yourself and then did something else?