Parentpedia

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It's a necessary but not always fun activity if your baby -- as many do -- hates to have his grimy, bacteria-harboring nails cut. Newborn nails are notoriously hard to clip, and, as a baby grows, his nails seem to grow even faster, making it necessary to trim them often. Even though his fingernails are soft at birth, your baby can't control his limbs and may manage to give himself big red scratches across the face.

How to Care for Your Baby's Nails

• For a newborn, buy clothes that have protective cuffs that go over the hands like mittens. Your baby will be less likely to scratch himself in the face with his nails.
• Even though the nails are soft, they need to be clipped. Since babies don't hold still, this is no easy task. Sit your baby on your lap so your body holds his securely and cut his nails. The standard advice given to parents is to cut a newborn's nails with scissors with blunt edges so as not to inadvertently cut him, especially if he pulls his hand away, though some parents find that a small nail clipper is easier to use. Safety First? makes good clippers.
• If you cannot cut his nails without cutting him, consider nibbling them off with your teeth.
• Cutting a baby's fingernails while he's sleeping makes the task much easier.
• Some parents find filing their baby's nails with a file easier than cutting them.
• Always keep your baby's hands and nails clean. Wash frequently with mild soap and warm water.
• Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails and will probably only need trimming once a month.

Safety Notes

• If your baby's nail tears, trim it at once so as not to cause a cut to the finger or toe.
• If your baby bangs his toe or finger, he may have some bleeding under the nail, sometimes resulting in a painful clot. Your doctor may need to make a small hole in the nail to relieve the pressure.
• Babies often bang their toes so hard their nail eventually falls off as a new one grows in its place. If the nail swells or is hot to the touch, it may be a sign of infection. Consult your doctor.