Trying
to figure out the easiest way to trim your baby’s nails?
Many moms worry about how to cut baby’s nails. It is
difficult to trim the nails of a squirmy little guy or gal.
Your baby’s nails grow really fast and if left untrimmed,
she may scratch her adorable little face (or yours) and you
don’t want that to happen. So what’s a mom to
do? If you have never trimmed a baby’s nails, you may
think its no big deal, and it isn’t, but it does take
practice. Minor fingernail-trimming mishaps do happen with
lots of moms but it’s okay. Don’t worry, trimming
takes practice and even the best of moms have given baby a
nail trimming “booboo” before. Here are some mommy
tips for trimming your baby’s nails.
Do
use baby nail clippers, baby nail trimming scissors, or
an emery board.
Do
push down on the pad of her finger. Make sure that none
of her skin is showing when you cut the nail. You only
want to cut the nail.
Do
cut along the shape of the nail. Round any rough edges
with an emery board.
Do
cut toenails straight. Even though ingrown toenails are
not likely with a baby, you still want to try to cut them
straight across.
Do
not worry if you have an “oopsie”. It happens.
If you accidentally cut baby’s finger apply pressure
to stop the bleeding. You can use a clean cloth or bandage
and apply a little antibiotic ointment after the bleeding
stops.
Do
not use regular adult nail clippers. They are very sharp
and may cut the tip of baby’s fingers.
Mommy
Tips for Trimming Baby's Nails
Trim
baby’s nails after she has a bath.
Her nails will be softer and easier to trim.
Get
someone to help.
Have daddy or an older sibling help occupy baby while
you work on trimming her nails.
Distract
baby with a toy or something she likes. Try to occupy her free hand with something.
Trim
baby’s nails while she is sleeping.
Some moms find it easier to cut baby’s nails while
she is asleep. It doesn’t always work but if you
wait until baby is down for the count sometimes you
can get them trimmed without waking her.
Don’t
trim just file.
You may find this a lot safer and less scary. If you
file baby’s nails with an emery board you may
not need to trim. You can simply file them down until
they are not rough or jagged.
Some
mommies bite baby’s nails instead of trimming.
You may find this easier than trimming with clippers.
(There are mixed opinions on this. If you ask your mommy
friends they may suggest this. Your pediatrician may
not be crazy about this method. Any time you put
baby’s fingers into your mouth you are introducing
germs, which could lead to infection.)
