As an anxious new parent, cutting your baby's tiny nails for the first time can seem incredibly daunting. Those little fingers and toes are so small and delicate, and babies tend to wiggle a lot! You may feel worried about injuring them with the nail clippers. However, it's important to regularly trim your baby's nails to keep them from unintentionally scratching themselves and others around them. Babies use their hands constantly to touch objects and their own faces, meaning sharp nails pose dangers. In this blog, we will walk through everything you need to know about cutting your baby's nails.
Do I Need to Cut My Baby's Nails?
Yes, it's recommended to start trimming your baby's nails as soon as they are born. Newborns have very sharp, fragile nails that can easily cause scratches, even when they don't mean to. Scratches on a baby's delicate skin can become infected. Also, long nails can make it harder for your baby to grasp objects. Trimming their nails helps prevent painful scratches and promotes healthy development.
What Can Happen If I Don't Cut My Baby's Nails?
If your baby's nails become too long, they are likely to start unintentionally scratching themselves and others. Babies use their hands a lot to touch objects and their own face and body. Long nails increase the chance of the baby scratching their face when putting hands and toys in their mouth. These scratches can become red, sore, and infected since baby scratches harbour bacteria. Long nails may also scratch the mother's nipples during breastfeeding. Also, as your baby learns to use their hands more, long nails can get caught on fabrics like blankets.
How Do I Cut My Baby's Nails?
Having the proper nail clipper is key to cutting your baby’s nails smoothly. Look for clippers specifically designed for infants, with rounded tips to reduce the chance of nicks. Before getting started, inspect each tiny nail closely and determine where you want to trim to - you usually want to clip just at the point where the nail protrudes from the skin.
Make sure you have all necessary supplies ready beforehand:
- Baby nail clippers
- Emery board
- Antiseptic wash
- Clean washcloth
Get your baby into a comfortable position, with their head, neck and back supported. Swaddling them or having another person hold them still during the process is very helpful. The best time to trim nails is when your little one is a bit sleepy, recently fed, or gently distracted by noises or toys.
Apply mild pressure on the nail and snip carefully, only taking off a tiny bit at a time. Don’t rush through trimming all 10 nails quickly. It's best to clip nails after a warm bath when they are softened up. Use an emery board to gently smooth any sharp nail edges if you weren’t able to clip close enough to the skin.
When finished, wash both your hands and the nail clippers thoroughly with soap and water to disinfect. Keeping nails trimmed weekly will make the job much easier since less length needs to be removed each time. Stay focused and try again next time if your baby was uncooperative.
What Things Should I Avoid?
Avoid cutting nails when your baby is upset, squirming, hungry or tired – wait until she is happy and calm. Don’t try to do it alone if you’re a first-time parent. Have someone hold the baby's hands to avoid injuries. Never use scissors, adult nail clippers or pull off nails with fingers - they can split the tender nail bed. Don’t leave clippers lying around within your baby’s reach for safety. It’s also best not to trim nails too short. Look for where the skin stops and white starts – and avoid trimming into red areas. Don’t tear nails off forcefully if you can’t clip it right away.
What Should I Do If Something Goes Wrong?
First, stay calm if you nick the baby’s skin or nail bed - it happens! Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or piece of gauze for a few minutes to stop minor bleeding. Run the scraped nail area under lukewarm water. Clean the area gently with mild soap and water, then dab on an antiseptic cream. Try not to handle the area too much if it is tender. Distract your baby from any discomfort with singing, rocking or a pacifier. Call your paediatrician if nails are cracked, damaged, infected or bleeding persists. They can assess if further medical treatment is needed for an injury.
Conclusion:
Cutting a squirming baby’s fragile nails for the first time can be stressful. Remember to comfort your little one if they get upset during trimming. With some practice, patience and the right preparation, nail trims can become less challenging over time. Set reminders to trim nails weekly. Soon you’ll be a pro at this important parenting task! Stay calm and don’t be too hard on yourself if mistakes happen - baby nails grow back. The most important thing is keeping your little one safe, healthy and happy.
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FAQs
1. Do I need to cut my baby's nails?
Ans. Yes, it's recommended to start trimming your baby's nails as soon as they are born.
2. What should I do if I nick the baby’s skin or nail bed?
Ans. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth, rinse the scraped nail under lukewarm water, cleanse with mild soap, and apply antiseptic cream to stop minor bleeding and promote healing.
3. When should I not cut my baby's nails?
Ans. Avoid cutting nails when your baby is upset, squirming, hungry or tired.
4. What can happen if I don't cut my baby's nails?
Ans. If your baby's nails become too long, they are likely to start unintentionally scratching themselves.
5. What things should I gather before cutting my baby’s nail?
Ans. Make sure you have all necessary supplies such as baby nail clippers, emery board, antiseptic wash, clean washcloth.
