We know that trimming a newborn baby���s nails can be a daunting task for parents. Even though they���re tiny, they grow surprisingly fast, and if left untrimmed, can become long, sharp, and scratchy.
Try not to worry, though. We���re here to run through when and how to cut a baby���s nails and will cover some top tips to help keep your baby happy while you care for their tiny finger and toenails.
Soon, you���ll be a mini mani-pedi pro!
How to cut a newborn���s nails
Here���s a step-by-step guide on how to safely cut your baby���s nails:
- Keep baby calm: It can take some time for little ones to get used to having their nails trimmed. To help keep them as relaxed as possible, you can sing to them, explain what you're doing, put on some music or their favorite TV show, and give them lots of praise.
- Team up: Work with someone else to get the job done. One of you can hold the baby still and distract them, while the other trims or files their nails.
- Get the lighting right: Make sure that you can see what you���re doing clearly and that you have plenty of light.
- Use clippers or a nail file: It���s best to use a pair of specially designed baby nail scissors or clippers to care for your baby's nails. In between trims, you can file your little one���s nails using a soft emery board to round off any rough edges.
- Follow the curve: When you���re clipping your baby���s nails, take care not to go too low and gently snip following the natural curve of their fingernail. You can press their finger pad away from their nail to avoid cutting their skin.
When can you cut a baby���s nails?
Although a newborn baby���s fingernails are soft and wear down naturally, they do grow fast. They will need to be gently trimmed to help prevent accidental scratches.
You can cut or file your baby���s nails as early as their first week. From then, they will need cutting as often as every three days in their first few weeks.
The best time to trim your baby���s nails is when you���re feeling alert and awake, and your baby is asleep, very calm, or feeling drowsy and ready for a snooze. It���s a good idea to keep a small healthcare kit containing some nail clippers in your changing bag. That way, you can tend to your baby���s tiny nails, wherever, whenever.
Baby nail cutting FAQs
Is it safe to peel or bite my baby���s nails instead of cutting them?
A baby���s nails are soft, and rather than clipping them, it can be tempting to peel or bite them off. However, this should be avoided because there���s a risk that you���ll remove too much of their nail, expose the sensitive skin beneath, and transfer germs to your baby���s skin.
If you���re worried about using clippers or scissors to trim your baby���s nails, try gently filing their nails using a soft emery board.
What if I accidentally cut my baby���s finger while trimming their nails?
Accidents happen, so try not to stress if you do cut your baby���s skin when trimming their nails and their finger bleeds. The best thing to do is gently press a clean, soft cloth pad onto the cut and apply some pressure until the bleeding stops. Don't apply a plaster or dressing because these can pose a choking hazard.
If you���re concerned about the cut, you can take your baby to see your GP.
How often should I be trimming my baby���s toenails?
You���ll notice that your little one���s toenails grow a lot slower than the nails on their hands.
Because they require slightly less maintenance, the nails on their tiny toes will need trimming less frequently ��� usually around once a month. They should be trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
