How to Trim Your Infant's Nails

Your newborn's nails grow just like yours and will be in need of a trimming sometimes only a couple days after birth. This can be a daunting task creating fear and concern for new parents. Your infant's nails are a little softer than yours, but are still growing at a good rate, and can get pretty sharp!

With a couple basic items, you can make cutting your baby's nails quick and easy. You can purchase an infant nail clipper set at any mega store for around $10. Most include infant clippers, a tweezers, and a small file or emery board. It's a great idea to pick one up prior to having your baby to give yourself a chance to become familiar with the tools.

Your infant likes to keep it's hands clenched in fists during the first couple weeks of life which makes extending their little fingers somewhat challenging. Pick a time to do your nail grooming when your baby is napping or really relaxed. This will help make your nail trimming session a positive experience for everyone involved! You can also cut your baby's nails right after a bath when they are softer and easier to trim. Whatever time you choose to do the actual nail cutting, try to stay positive and have a smile on your face! This will help put your wee one at ease!

Get all your tools ready and pick a hand to start with. If you are feeling anxious about trying to do the trimming on your own, ask your partner to help. It's nice to have some extra support and another set of hands! Gently wipe your baby's hand with a washcloth or wet wipe to clean your baby's hand before clipping. Encourage your baby to grasp a finger of your non-cutting hand and take a look at the nails. Before making your cuts, decide how close to trim by visually looking how long the nails are and then by feeling for length and sharp spots.

It's time to make the cut! Gently select one of your infant's fingers and make a single cut pressing down on the clippers and using another finger to press the skin away from underneath your baby's nail. Try to only make one cut per nail to avoid leaving sharp edges or corners. The first cut is the hardest, so after you get more comfortable, the trimming should go fairly quickly and smoothly without any problems!

Not ready to make the cut? Use the infant file to get great results! Just like filing your own nails, gently file down your infant's nails. This is an easy way to get rid of those nasty sharp points on your baby's nails that cause so much damage to you and your infant! It takes a little longer, but filing is a sure fire way to eliminate sharp edges and keep your infant's nails groomed without having to make any cuts.

If there is an accident while trimming, make sure to put hydrogen peroxide on the cut or wash with mild soap to avoid any infection. Don't worry, your baby will live, and you will survive to trim nails again! Take your time and remember to keep a smile on your face even if things turn for the worse!

Your infant's nails grow quickly, so be prepared to check them 2-3 times a week and spend a little time grooming them. This will help keep everyone safe from those pesky scratches! Setting a good routine will help make nail trimmings a natural event and allow for everyone to be calm and relaxed. Don't be afraid to cut those nails! With some patience and practice, your baby's nails will be well groomed!