How to Cut Your Newborn’s Nails

Are you a new parent searching for how to cut a baby’s nails all over the internet? We understand that cutting a newborn’s nails is daunting and dreadful, as newborns have tiny hands and nails, and getting a firm grip on their little nails is not easy. Even when cutting newborn nails is daunting, it must still be done for the baby’s safety and hygiene. This blog is a complete guide for parents who want to know how to cut their baby’s nails. 

When to Start Cutting Your Newborn’s Nails

When trying to know how to cut newborn nails, parents should keep these factors in mind. These factors are observing the nail growth, checking the timeline, seeing the signs of increased nail length, and determining the frequency of nail growth after cutting newborn nails.

Fingernails and toenails grow faster. The ideal time to cut your newborn’s nails differs. You can trim your baby’s fingernails once every week, and the toenails can be easily trimmed once every two weeks. Babies cannot control their movement and can accidentally scratch themselves, causing scratches on their bodies or eyes.

Parents looking for how to cut newborn nails can gently peel off their baby’s nail ends with their hands because newborns have very soft and delicate nails. When babies become one month old, their nails become a bit harder, and you can cut their nails with the help of baby scissors. Even when baby scissors are safe for cutting newborn nails, precautions are still needed to ensure the baby’s safety.

(Also Read, 10 Unique And Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Toddlers)

Easy Steps for Cutting Your Newborn’s Nails

When it comes time to cut newborn nails, three things should be kept in mind: preparing for cutting newborn nails, choosing the proper technique, and following the safety measures when trying to understand how to cut a baby’s nails. With the following steps, every parent can master cutting newborn nails.

1. Preparation:

Cutting newborn nails is tricky but necessary to keep them from scratching themselves. To cut your baby’s nails, make sure that they are comfortable. Cutting a baby’s nails when calm and relaxed after bathing or breastfeeding is much easier. In these situations, babies are more inclined to be still. Parents can also cut their baby’s nails when they are asleep. Make sure to use the right supplies when cutting newborn nails.

2. Technique:  

• When cutting a newborn’s nails, always sit in a well-lit area to see the tiny nails correctly. It becomes easier to trim the nails of the baby with someone’s help. Whether cutting a newborn’s nails alone or with someone’s help, place the baby in the lap and hold the tiny hand securely. With a gentle grip, hold the baby’s hand but avoid squeezing too tightly. When cutting newborn nails, use your fingers to spread out their fingers to get better access to the nails. 

• Rather than trying to cut the nail, aim to trim it. Use clippers and scissors specifically made for babies. Do not cut too close to the baby’s nails; it might cause bleeding. 

• When in doubt, leave the nails a bit longer than risk cutting too much

• After cutting newborn nails, file the rough edges to prevent scratching. 

• Babies constantly move, so parents must stay calm and patient when cutting their babies’ nails. 

• If your baby feels uncomfortable or starts crying while cutting the nails, take a short break, then resume. 

• After cutting your baby’s nails, praise the baby and offer them support through a cuddle or any soothing activity they enjoy. 

• It is okay to feel nervous when cutting newborn nails for the first time, but with time and patience, it will become easier. 

(Also Read, How To Hold A Newborn Baby Safely? )

Dealing with Accidental Nicks or Cuts

In case of any accidental nicks and cuts while cutting newborn nails, follow these steps for:-

First Aid:

• Assessment: Check the severity of the cut. If it’s minor, parents can manage it at home.

• Gentle Cleaning: To prevent infection, clean the cut with a clean cloth, mild soap, and water.

• Applying Pressure: Use gentle pressure and a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Hold the fabric in place until the bleeding stops.

Seeking Medical Attention: 

Quick medical attention must be sought when it looks like an emergency while cutting newborn nails.

• Continuous Bleeding: If bleeding from a pinch or cut during the process of trimming a baby’s nails does not stop, try applying slight pressure over the wound, then seek medical attention as soon as possible.

• Signs of Infection: You must look out for any indicators that may show infection, such as redness, heat, swelling, or pus leaking from your child’s wound.

• Professional Advice: If you are unsure how to treat the cut properly, it’s better to seek professional medical advice than do the treatment yourself.

(Also Read, Easy 30 Indian Lunch Ideas For Toddlers)

Biting vs. Cutting: Is Biting Safe for Trimming Newborn Nails?

Some parents think that biting their baby’s nails to trim them is a good option, but it is not. 

1. Risks of Biting   

Nail biting damages the baby’s nails when cutting newborn nails. Nail biting can permanently damage the shape of your baby’s nails. On top of that, the dirt in the nails can cause health issues when biting off them. The germs from your mouth can cause infection in the baby’s skin when trying to remove the nails by biting them. Biting nails can also cause accidental cuts on the baby’s delicate fingers.

 2. Safer Alternatives 

Rather than trying to cut your baby’s nails with your teeth, always use a baby nail cutter to cut the nails without causing any health hazards to you and your baby. 

Conclusion

Even when cutting a newborn’s nails may seem daunting at first, it’s an essential part of a newborn’s care to ensure their safety and hygiene. You can confidently cut your baby’s nails without causing harm by following a few simple steps and precautions. Always choose the right time, technique, and tools, and maintain the baby’s comfort and safety while cutting newborn nails. Accidents can happen, but do not panic; address the situation immediately. Avoid the temptation to bite your baby’s nails, as it poses risks of injury and infection. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like using baby nail clippers. With patience, practice, and care, you can master the art of trimming newborn nails, providing comfort and protection to your little one.