Just like using a nasal aspirator, cutting baby hair, or giving your baby a bath, cutting the baby’s nails will take practice and lots of nerves. You will need to use the proper tools for the job and master this stress-free experience technique.
What you are going to need:
- Baby nail clippers or scissors that are designed for newborns and have an emery board
- The room needs to be well light as you want to see what you are doing
- A comfortable spot for the baby. One option is laying the baby down on a tummy time mat surrounded by toys to distract them. A nursing pillow will also come in handy for you to put the baby’s hand on.
- Having another adult next to you can be helpful
- Another must is a distraction for the baby, something like songs, toys, fun and colorful books to take his/her attention away
- A soft, clean gauze or a cloth to hold your baby’s finger in case you nick the skin
Table of Contents
1. How to properly trim the baby nails with nail clippers or nail scissors?
1.1 Firstly, pick the best place and time.
You will want your baby to be tired or even asleep. This way, the baby won’t have the energy to move as much and distract you in the process. Another good time to trim the baby’s nails is after a bath when the nails are softer thus easier to trim. Of course, the room needs to be well lighted – you want to see what you are doing.
1.2 Gather all the equipment
You will need special baby nail clippers or scissors with rounded tips. Make sure all the tools you’ll be using are in good condition and are clean. You will also need a cloth or a gauze in case you nick the baby’s skin, and of course the distractions like toys, books to keep the baby occupied.
1.3 Baby’s position
The next thing to do is find the best spot to position the baby. For the best nail trimming angle, you will want your baby to sit in your lap facing outwards. Hold the baby’s fingers firmly but not too firmly. Start trimming the nails by following their natural curve, meaning above the white nail line. Avoid pulling the nails off. It can hurt the baby. Do the whole process gently and slowly to avoid cutting too low. You can smooth the rough edges with an emery board.
2. Trimming baby nails with emery board and electric baby nail file
Again, you will want your baby drowsy, relaxed, or even sleeping. Put all the needed equipment close to you. You will need a baby-size electric nail file or emery board; the tip needs to correspond with your baby’s age. If the baby is sleeping naturally, you will do the trimming in his/her bed. If it is awake, sit the baby in your lap with him/her facing outwards, which will give you the best trimming angle. Again, hold the baby’s fingers firmly but not too firm. Carefully file over the top of the nail and smoothen the corners.
3. How to trim baby toenails?
Toenails grow slower compared to fingernails, so they don’t require frequent trimming. The same techniques that apply for fingernails also go for toenails, even though these are not as soft. Again, you will want your baby in a comfortable position. By holding the pad away from the nails, start gently trimming the nails straight across.
FAQ-s
Do you need to trim your baby’s nails?
The answer is yes. The fingernails are sharp enough to cause your baby to injure himself. Babies tend to scratch their faces and their corneas. Babies haven’t developed good motor control, and when they flap their hands, they can easily hurt themselves with their nails. So, to avoid this, you will need to trim those nails.
What to do if you accidentally cut the baby’s skin while trimming the nails?
The process of trimming your baby’s nails can cause you anxiety, especially in the beginning. Remember that if you do it slowly, the risk of injuries is very low. If you happen to nick the baby’s skin, have a gauze, which you should wrap around the finger until the bleeding stops. Never use a bandage, the baby can swallow it and choke on it. Also, avoid using baby lotion on the cut.
How often should you trim the baby’s nails?
Well, this depends on how fast they grow back, but the answer would be as often as needed. Simply check your baby’s nails few times per week or at least once a week to see how much they have grown. As we mentioned above, toenails grow a lot slower than fingernails, so they don’t need to be trimmed very frequently.
Should I nibble off my baby’s fingernails?
There are several reasons why this is a bad idea. By using your teeth, you can remove too much of the nail and cause injury to your baby. Also, isn’t it a bit gross? Your mouth is filled with bacteria, and if you nick your baby’s skin, it could introduce an infection.
More trimming baby nails tips
You need to be relaxed and patient when you trim your baby’s nails. Being stressed will only lead to frustration and mistakes. Having the proper nail tools is crucial. Those that are specifically made for babies have built-in safety features, and the size is appropriate for the baby’s fingers.
We also mentioned that the best angle for trimming nails is your baby sitting in your lap facing outward. To calm the baby down, you can try talking to him/her in a soothing voice and praise him/her after the job is done. If you are consistent, the baby will know what is about to happen when he/she sees the clippers.
Taking care of your baby needs lots of practice and also you being confident, so try not to lose hope. And of course, having someone besides you to help can be very handy. If you are still not ready, use baby mittens for the baby’s hands until you build up the courage.
Having clean and neat fingernails will prevent self-inflicted injuries for your baby. You don’t want your baby to end up with scratches all over the face or even the corneas. We can say that trimming their nails will only protect them and their well-being.
