Sophia Delgado
Trimming a newborn's nails can be a nerve-wracking experience for new parents. It is important to keep a newborn's nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching themselves, especially on their face and eyes. Toenails may not need to be trimmed as often as they grow more slowly than fingernails. The best time to trim a baby's nails is after a feeding, a bath, or when they are asleep. Baby nail clippers, baby nail scissors, and emery boards are all tools that can be used to trim a baby's nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to trim baby nails | Weekly or more frequently |
| When to start trimming baby nails | In the first week of life |
| When to trim baby toenails | Less frequently than fingernails |
| Tools to trim baby nails | Baby nail clippers, baby nail scissors, baby nail file, electric nail filer |
| Tips to trim baby nails | Trim after feeding, bathing or when the baby is asleep, trim when the nails are long enough to scratch the face and eyes, follow the natural curve of the fingertip, cut toenails straight across |
| What to do if you draw blood | Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad |
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What You'll Learn
Baby nail clippers, scissors and emery boards
Trimming a newborn's nails can be nerve-wracking for parents. It is important to stay calm and choose a time when the baby is happy and satisfied, such as after a feeding or a bath, or even when they are asleep.
Baby nail clippers, scissors, and emery boards are specifically designed to safely trim a baby's tiny nails. These tools have features that make the process easier and safer for parents. For example, some baby nail scissors have a magnifier that provides a clearer view, enabling precise cutting without accidentally hurting the baby.
The Safety 1st baby nail clipper set comes with a built-in light, making it easier to see the baby's tiny nails. The set also includes an emery board to smooth away jagged edges. Another option is the Nuby Baby Nail Care Grooming Set, which includes clippers, scissors, and emery boards. This set is easy to use and features a colourful design. The clippers have a cover for safety, and the stainless steel scissors have rounded tips for added safety.
When using baby nail clippers or scissors, it is important to follow the natural curve of the fingertip while leaving a bit of the "moon" to avoid cutting the quick, which is the centre of the nail where the nerves and blood supply are located. Toenails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails. If you accidentally draw blood, apply pressure with a sterile gauze pad to stop the bleeding, but avoid using a bandage as it can pose a choking hazard if the baby puts their fingers in their mouth.
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Toenails: cut straight across
Trimming a newborn's nails for the first time can be nerve-wracking. It is important to remember that babies' nails are super-soft and thin during their first few weeks, so you may find it easiest to simply file their nails with an emery board. This does take more time than trimming with baby nail clippers, but it is very safe.
Toenails, unlike fingernails, need to be cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Toenails grow more slowly, so you don't have to trim them as often. However, it is normal for newborn babies' toenails to curl over, following the contour of the toe, because they are initially so soft and thin.
When cutting your baby's toenails, gently press the skin on their fingertip so you can get the clipper or baby scissors around both sides of the nail. Leave a tiny bit of white nail visible above the nail bed to prevent injury. You can also try using special baby nail scissors or nail clippers, which have specially rounded ends. Press the finger or pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold as you cut or clip.
If you accidentally nick the skin, don't worry. Gently hold a piece of clean, damp cotton wool on the cut with some pressure, and the bleeding will stop fairly quickly. Do not use a plaster, as your baby may choke on it.
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Fingernails: follow the natural curve
Trimming a newborn's nails can be a nerve-wracking experience for new parents. It is important to keep your baby's nails short to prevent them from scratching their face and eyes. Toenails, on the other hand, usually do not need to be trimmed as often as they grow more slowly.
When cutting your baby's fingernails, it is important to follow the natural curve of the fingertip. This will help you avoid cutting the quick, which is the centre of the nail where the nerves and blood supply are located. To do this, gently press on the skin of your baby's fingertip to expose the nail on both sides. Then, using baby nail scissors or clippers, snip the nail following its natural curve, leaving a bit of a "moon" shape to avoid cutting the quick.
It is recommended to use baby nail scissors with rounded tips to reduce the risk of accidental pokes. Alternatively, you can use baby nail clippers, some of which have built-in magnifying glasses for a better view. If you are using clippers, hold your baby's finger and press the fingertip pad down and away from the nail before snipping.
Filing your baby's nails with a baby-sized emery board is another option if you are uncomfortable using scissors or clippers. Filing can be done after bathing when the nails are softer, or while the baby is sleeping and more still. However, some babies have bendable nails, making it challenging to file them. In such cases, you may need to use clippers to cut the nails and then file down any sharp corners afterward.
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When to cut: after feeding, bathing or when asleep
Trimming a newborn's nails for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but it is important to do so to prevent them from scratching themselves. The best time to cut your baby's nails is after feeding, bathing, or when they are asleep.
After Feeding
One good time to cut your baby's nails is after feeding. Your baby will be distracted and less likely to be concerned with what is happening to their nails. You can ask your partner or another caregiver to trim the baby's nails while feeding.
After Bathing
Another good time to trim your baby's nails is after a bath when their nails are softest and they are usually calm. After a bath, the nails are slightly softer, making them easier to cut. It is also a good time to clean the dirt from under your baby's nails using lukewarm water and a clean cloth, as part of their regular bathtime routine.
When Asleep
You can also trim your baby's nails when they are asleep or very drowsy and calm. This is a good time because your baby's hands will be less of a moving target, making it easier to cut their nails safely. Try placing your baby in your lap or on a flat surface in an area with plenty of light.
To trim your baby's nails, use baby nail clippers or baby nail scissors with rounded tips for safety. Hold your baby's hand or foot firmly and gently pull the pad of their finger or toe away from the nail to avoid cutting their skin. Cut the nail straight across, following the natural curve of the fingertip while leaving a little bit of a "moon" to prevent cutting the quick. Toenails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
Remember to stay calm and relaxed while trimming your baby's nails. You can soothe your baby by talking or singing to them, distracting them with a toy, or making a game of it.
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What to do if you draw blood
Trimming a newborn's nails for the first time can be nerve-wracking. It can be scary to wield scissors or clippers so close to your baby's tiny fingers, but it's important to keep their nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching their face.
Babies' nails are softer and more pliable than adults' nails, but they can be sharp. Little fingernails grow quickly and may need to be cut several times a week, while toenails grow more slowly and require less frequent trimming.
If you accidentally draw blood while trimming your baby's nails, don't worry—this happens to many parents. Here's what you should do:
- Rinse the cut under cool water to clean it.
- Wrap a tissue or a clean, lint-free cloth around your baby's finger and apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. You can also use a sterile gauze pad.
- Avoid putting a bandage on the cut, as it could come off and pose a choking hazard if your baby puts their finger in their mouth.
- The bleeding should stop in a couple of minutes.
To minimise the risk of drawing blood, try trimming your baby's nails when they are sleeping or distracted, such as after a feeding or a bath. You can also ask a partner or friend to help by holding the baby or distracting them with a toy or game.
If you're nervous about using scissors or clippers, you can use an emery board to gently file your baby's nails down instead. This takes more time but is very safe and can be done while your baby is awake.
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Frequently asked questions
You may need to trim your newborn's nails as often as once a week or even more frequently. Toenails may not need to be trimmed as often.
You can use a baby nail file, baby nail clippers, or baby nail scissors with rounded tips.
It is best to trim your baby's nails when they are calm, distracted, or asleep.
When trimming your baby's nails, follow the natural curve of the fingernail, leaving a bit of a "moon" shape to avoid cutting the quick. Toenails should be cut straight across.
If you accidentally cut your baby's finger, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad to stop the bleeding. Clean the area with soap and water. If the cut is severe, seek medical attention.
