Clipping Your Baby’s Nails For The First Time

When is the right time to cut your baby’s nails? Many parents are afraid to do so. But in this article you will find all the information you need.

There are many myths about cutting a baby’s nails for the first time.

Some people say that doing it prematurely can expose your baby to certain conditions or diseases. However, there is no strict limit to when you can start cutting your baby’s nails.

Babies naturally have a delicate skin. By the time they are born, they have already been in a fluid environment for nine months.

This also applies to their nails, which are initially soft and fragile.

With this in mind, it is ideal to wait for their nails to harden a bit, making them easier to cut.

However, some children are born in the full term of pregnancy and may have longer nails.

This puts the baby at risk for accidental scratches. In these cases, parents should be careful to file or cut their infant’s nails.

Trimming your baby’s nails: When is the right time to start?

When a baby is born, their nails sit close to the skin, making them difficult to cut. Most parents wait three to four weeks after giving birth to cut them.

Unless you can easily see the separation between nails and flesh, avoid using nail clippers.

Another option is to use a special nail file designed for babies. This helps prevent any scratches and prevents sharp edges from sticking to clothing. Babies’ nails can be surprisingly sharp.

Another thing to consider is how often you need to cut your baby’s nails. It is difficult to establish a routine because the baby’s nails can grow very fast.

There are some children who will have their nails clipped up to twice a week. It is best to keep an eye on their growth. Remember this also applies to toenails.

How to cut a newborn baby’s nails

The best time to cut a baby’s nails is when the baby is most relaxed. This could be after a bath or a meal or while sleeping.

If your baby has a calm disposition, try cutting nails while sitting peacefully on your lap.

For the first few months, use a specially designed, blunt-shaped scissors or nail clipper. Hold the scissors perpendicular to the nail while cutting to avoid injury.

Good lighting is a great help when cutting your baby’s nails to avoid accidents. Similarly, make sure to have a firm grip on their hand in case of sudden movements. Cut gently but firmly.

At first, the baby’s nails are soft and fragile. With this in mind, it is ideal to wait for their nails to harden a bit, making them easier to cut.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cut the nail into a curved shape. A baby’s nail should be cut straight across. Among other reasons, ingrown nails are avoided.
• Cut too short. Some parents make the mistake of cutting to the part of the nail that is stuck in the flesh. This leaves a sensitive part of the finger prone to injury and infection.
• Use nail scissors or clippers for other purposes. Keep your baby’s nail care tools for their purpose. This will help ensure that they stay clean.
• Bite your baby’s nails. One technique that is more common among parents than you might think is to bite or chew your baby’s nails. For fear of using scissors, some mothers choose to use their teeth, but this can lead to infection.

• Let the nails break off. Another result of some parents’ fear of cutting their baby’s nails is letting them grow and crack naturally. This can sometimes lead to deep fractures and cuts, leaving children at risk of scratching themselves.

The myth of mittens

To avoid scratches , some parents make their baby wear mittens or gloves at all times.

This is a mistake: This kind of accessory should only be used to protect your baby from the cold outside.

Do not forget that a baby’s hands are as they interact with their environment.

Touch is the key for babies to recognize their mother while breastfeeding. Babies also exercise the sucking motion that they use to eat by putting their hands in their mouths.

So leave your hands free and pay special attention to your baby’s nails.