Babies’ nails grow very quickly and need to be trimmed. If they’re not kept short and neat, your baby can scratch himself and others. Scratches are painful on skin, but can do serious 
damage to little eyes.
Now, I know from experience that trimming a baby’s nails can be a difficult and stressful task, for both you and your little one, but it’s just one of those things that just has to be done. Here are some helpful hints to make the job a little easier on both of you.
Do…
- Use clippers or nail scissors designed specifically for babies and small children
- Wait for your baby to fall asleep before beginning in order to reduce the squirm factor (especially if you’re running a solo mission)
- Ask for help, if your baby is awake. The process is a lot easier and safer if you have a wing-man holding your little one or distracting him with a toy
- Cut fingernails to match the curve of your baby’s finger and toenails straight across
- Always file the nails so they’re smooth to avoid scratches or snags
- Take a break if your baby gets too upset. You don’t want this to be a traumatizing experience for either of you
- Hold your baby’s hand gently but firmly, and press the pad of the finger slightly away from the nail
- Check his nails at least weekly for growth. If you keep an eye on them, you can avoid scissors or clippers altogether and just use a file.
Don’t…
- Use adult nail trimming tools
- Use your teeth. Babies nails are small and thin, and you can’t see what you’re doing. Also, bacteria from your mouth could cause and infection if there is any broken skin
- Panic if you accidentally nick your baby’s skin. Wrap a tissue around the little cutie and apply a little pressure
- Use adhesive bandages if there is a nick. The likelihood of your baby pulling it off in his mouth is very high and it could be a choking hazard
Trimming your wee one’s nails is no fun for anyone involved, but it’s a safety measure every parent has to take. If you take your time and follow these guidelines, it’ll be over before you know it. Then you can resume all the fun baby stuff, like cuddling and playing, until it’s diaper time again.
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