Think of newborns and the image of a baby’s curled fingers, forming a tiny fist, is perhaps one of the first things to cross your mind. But have you ever thought about cutting your baby’s nails? It can be as daunting as it is necessary. Long fingernails and toenails can not only be irritating for your baby, but can hurt him too. Your little one does not need a nail care session too often, but it is always better to keep a check every four weeks.
Also, do not use your scissors or nail cutters for your baby. The tools that are meant for adults are usually too sharp and big for a baby’s tiny and delicate fingers. Here’s a guide to a baby’s nail care routine and how to ensure safety while cutting the nails.
Don’t use regular tools: Using a baby scissor is always a better option than a stainless-steel cutter. Choose the one with a smooth and rounded tip so that it does not hurt the baby. There are scissors available in the market with built-in magnifying glasses to give a clear view of your munchkin’s delicate nails. Some things to keep in mind while cutting the nails are:
-Gently hold your baby’s finger while clipping and press the tip to avoid any cut.
-Go with the natural flow of nails and do not rush while cutting the nails.
-It is always better to trim nails in daylight to avoid any cuts or injuries.
Best time to cut a baby’s nails: Generally, it is easier to cut a baby’s nails when he is napping or is feeling a little drowsy. Make sure you make most of this opportunity and keep a scissor with you at all times. Distract your baby by playing his favorite song on the television or let him play with his soft toy. Or, you can always have a helper by your side to assist you in the process.
Don’t worry about the frequency: Usually, baby nails grow slowly as compared to adults. So, you do not have to worry about executing the strenuous task of cutting your baby’s nails every now and then.
What if you accidentally cut your baby’s skin?
There are chances that you might cut his skin and draw blood. Do not panic. Gently apply pressure on the affected area with a clean cloth till the bleeding stops.
To Sum Up
Just like any other duty, make your baby’s nail care routine your priority. Do not worry about small cuts or minor infection around the nail as it usually heals by itself. If you feel things are getting severe, immediately seek the advice of your doctor.
Author Bio: Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. She has contributed to several online research papers. However, she passionately develops contents on pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, baby cord blood stem cell preservation and umbilical cord lining and more.
