Have you given any consideration to your child’s first nail trim? Despite the fact that it is a stressful process, it is one that you will have to complete sooner or later. It’s natural to be nervous about clipping your newborn’s nails because they’re so thin and delicate. As a parent, you may be concerned about damaging your baby’s skin because of the fragile and flexible nature of newborn nails. Instead of clipping your baby’s nails, put socks on them to keep them from harming themselves with their long toenails as they wiggle their small legs. Additionally, swaddling your baby will help keep their limbs in place.
Other than that, how old should a baby be when their nails need a trim?
When should I trim my baby’s nails for the first time?
It’s logical that you’d want to clip your baby’s nails because they grow so rapidly. If their nails are long enough, you may use your fingers to gently pull off the ends. Because the nails are so fragile, the extra will readily peel away, but using an emery board file to gently file your baby’s nails is an even safer option. Your baby’s nails will have begun to harden and have a harder free edge by the time they are a month old. Trimming their first nails with baby nail scissors or a nail clipper with rounded tips will be simpler at this time. If you can’t wait, having someone to assist you in clipping your newborn’s nails will make the task much simpler. The nails of your infant will grow fast, and you may need to trim them quite frequently.
Should I file or cut my baby’s nails?
Use a nail file instead of trimming your newborn’s nails for the first time if they injure themselves too much with their small toenails. A basic emery file with tiny grains can be used to this end. Also, you should know that electronic baby files exist, which may make your task easier. If you do decide to cut your baby’s nails, use rounded-tip scissors or baby nail clippers. To avoid subcutaneous growth, don’t cut toenails too short.
How do I trim my baby’s nails for the first time?
When the infant is asleep, many parents find it simpler to execute the initial nail trim. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the best moment to trim your baby’s nails when he or she is awake is when they are comfortable, and you have assistance. That way, you can clip their nails while the other person does something distracting, like singing a song or playing a game. To limit the risk of injury to the baby, make sure you have enough light in the room.
When clipping a nail, grasp your baby’s toe in one hand and push the tip of the toe away from the nail with the other. Carefully follow the natural curve of the nail, taking care not to go too low or cut the toe’s tip. As previously said, make sure to trim the nails in a straight line. Luckily, toenails require less upkeep than fingernails since they develop more slowly.
Mistakes to avoid doing while cutting your baby’s nails for the first time
It is possible to make mistakes despite your best efforts and precautions. When it comes to caring for a baby’s toenails, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t cut too short; cut more often, not shorter.
- Don’t forget to clean with an antiseptic solution in case of injury.
- Don’t leave the nails too long.
- Do not cut your child’s nails if conditions are not right.
- Disinfect the instruments you will use before cutting your baby’s nails.
There are times when it is better to seek assistance or wait until nap time if clipping your baby’s nails is making you anxious.
Toenail care for your baby
Make an appointment with FootNetwork for additional information about infant toenail care or to see a podiatrist. FootNetwork can schedule an appointment near you thanks to a network of over 40 podiatry clinics around Quebec.