A baby's nails are soft and pliable, so they are nothing like the sturdy nails of adults. However, they can be treacherously sharp, and your baby might hurt themselves with them. How can you prevent this and properly care for your little one's nails?
Why you should care for your baby's nails
As soft as a baby's nails may be, they can sometimes be surprisingly sharp. As a result, newborns may occasionally scratch themselves badly. This happens because they frequently touch their own faces and sometimes make uncontrolled movements.
Additionally, dressing a little one with longer nails can be tricky. Nails can easily snag on sleeves or trouser legs and tear.
Scratch mittens for the first few weeks
It is advisable to start cutting and filing your baby's soft nails early enough. However, clipping is not recommended during the first few weeks of life as the nails are still too fragile. Scratch mittens are an ideal solution.
They protect your baby's face from scratches and prevent them from hurting themselves. If your little one does get scratched, the mittens give the skin time to recover.
A bonus is that they also keep your baby's hands warm – very handy during colder days and nights.
When can baby nails be cut?
The general guideline is to start cutting your baby's nails from around seven weeks. Cutting earlier is not advised as the small nails are very pliable and may fold when clipped.
That said, it is still important to care for your baby's nails during the first few weeks. Try keeping the nails short and smooth using a small nail file. Be extremely careful, as the nails are so fragile that they can tear easily. If this happens, a skin infection may develop around the nail.
What is the best way to file baby nails?
The very pliable nails of babies require gentle filing. This is best done with a fine-textured nail file. Baby nail files are typically made of cardboard or metal, with cardboard files being particularly suitable for newborns.
Another helpful tip: proceed carefully and patiently. Avoid moving the file back and forth; instead, file in one direction - from the finger towards the fingertip. Additionally, file from the base of the nail upwards to avoid cracks or snags.
If a nail has a sharp tip, it can be tempting to bite or tear it off. However, tearing is never a good idea as it can cause the nail to split. This could lead to small wounds that may become infected.
What is the best way to cut a baby's nails?
Cutting a baby's nails can be quite a challenge. Here’s how to do it:
- Clean the nail clippers before you begin.
- Choose a good moment when your baby is calm and not crying, such as after feeding or during a nap on your lap.
- Lay your baby down safely and securely in a flat position, ensuring the fingers are easy to reach.
- Hold the hand whose nails you are cutting firmly.
- Push down the skin on the fingertip to gently separate the nail from the skin.
- Cut fingernails in a rounded shape, following the natural contour of the finger. For toenails, cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
- File the nails after cutting to smooth out any rough edges.
Cut your baby's nails when they are dry – never after a bath. Bathing softens the nails, making them harder to cut.
What to do if you cut into your baby's skin
If your baby makes an unexpected movement or you slip with the nail clippers or scissors, you might accidentally nick their finger. Your baby may start crying, but don’t panic – they are usually just startled.
Treat the wound by rinsing the bleeding finger under cold running water.
Press the finger with a sterile gauze pad until the bleeding stops. This may take a few minutes. Avoid using a plaster, as your baby could bite it off, creating a choking hazard.
What do you need to cut a baby's nails?
To safely and comfortably care for your baby's nails, you’ll need a small manicure set containing:
- A soft nail file for newborns
- A nail clipper with rounded edges
- A pair of nail scissors with rounded tips
A baby's ultra-soft nails require extra gentleness from you. Make sure you have the right tools and take your time to care for them properly.
