Tender Mother
Trim my baby's nails
Your baby's nails may be softer and more pliable than yours, but make no mistake — they're sharp! A newborn has little control over his flailing limbs and can easily end up scratching his own face or yours.
Little fingernails grow so quickly you may have to cut them several times a week. Toenails require less frequent trimming.
How do I trim my baby's nails without cutting his fingertips?
Start by picking a good time. Some parents find that the best opportunity is right after a bath, when a baby's nails are softest. Ask your partner or a friend to help hold your baby so he won't wiggle too much while you clip. Or get someone to distract your baby so he'll let you hold his hand still for the clipping.
Others parents prefer to clip their baby's nails while he's asleep. (Of course, this only works if your baby's a sound sleeper.) Some parents even leave a pair of baby nail clippers in the car so they can do the job while their baby is asleep in his car seat.
Once you figure out the best timing, you may want to experiment with the techniques, too:
• You can also file your baby's nails down with an emery board, if you have the patience and can keep your baby still long enough.
• You can use a pair of scissors or clippers made especially for this purpose. (Adult clippers are too large and sharp.) Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold on your baby's hand as you clip.
• The easiest way to trim your baby's nails may be to just peel the ends off with your fingers. Your baby's nails are so soft that they'll easily tear right along the tops of his fingers. (Don't worry — you won't rip the whole nail off this way.)
Trim your baby's fingernails along the curve of his finger, but cut his toenails straight across. Whatever method you use, use an emery board to smooth any ragged edges.
Some parents prefer to bite their baby's nails into shape, but if you do, you run the risk of introducing germs from your mouth into any little cut your baby may have on his finger. You also won't be able to see what you're doing, and you'll find that your baby's finger is minute compared to your teeth! Still, some parents rely on this method.
If I do cut a fingertip, how do I stop the bleeding?
In the harrowing event that you do nick a tiny fingertip, don't be too hard on yourself — it happens to everyone. Simply wrap a tissue around your baby's finger and hold it until the bleeding stops. In most cases, it'll only take a minute or two.
Resist the temptation to try to get a bandage on your baby's finger. The bandage will likely come off when he puts his finger in his mouth, and he could end up choking on it.
You may want to try using a liquid bandage that's approved for children. These nontoxic products dry quickly and slough off with the dead skin cells when the wound has healed.