Being a first-time mother is undeniably overwhelming, with hundreds of questions arising about caring for and raising a child. Even the simplest task, like trimming a baby’s nails for the first time, might seem straightforward. But for newborns, the first nail trimming and using baby nail clippers can cause a lot of anxiety for many mothers.
Should You Trim a Newborn’s Nails?
Although a newborn’s nails aren’t as sharp or hard as an adult’s, they are still quite pointed. Newborns tend to move and flail their arms and legs, and these sharp nails can unintentionally scratch their face, limbs, and other body parts, causing skin injuries. Or, when babies put their hands in their mouths, it creates an opportunity for bacteria to enter the body through the mouth, affecting their health.
Therefore, trimming a baby’s nails keeps them clean and tidy, preventing potential health risks.
When Should You Trim a Baby’s Nails?
Many newborns are born with relatively long nails. However, mothers shouldn’t trim them immediately. It’s best to wait about a week before the first trim. During this week, it’s recommended to put mittens on the baby’s hands to prevent scratching.
When the baby’s nails extend slightly beyond the fingertips, it’s a good time to trim them.
It’s advisable to trim a baby’s nails 1-2 times a week to prevent them from becoming too long.
Waiting until the nails are too long or trimming them when they are still very short are common mistakes. Trimming overly long nails can be difficult and may lead to accidental injury during the baby’s movements, potentially causing ingrown nails. Conversely, trimming very short nails increases the risk of cutting the baby’s skin.
How to Trim a Baby’s Nails
Trimming a baby’s nails is relatively simple if you follow these three steps:
**Step 1:** Securely hold the baby’s hand with your hand and one of your fingers. This prevents the baby’s hand from moving and reduces the risk of injury.
**Step 2:** Trim the nails following the natural curve of the baby’s fingertips. Avoid cutting too close to the skin, as this can cause discomfort and pain. Press down gently on the soft part of the fingertip to expose more of the nail, making trimming safer and easier.
**Step 3:** Use a nail file to smooth any sharp or rough edges. If the nails aren’t too long, you can simply file them instead of using clippers.
Important Tips for Trimming a Baby’s Nails
Avoid Trimming Nails When the Baby is Crying
Most babies dislike having their nails trimmed and often cry. Forcing the baby to cooperate is not recommended. They may struggle, increasing the risk of accidentally cutting their skin and causing bleeding. Soothe the baby until they are calm before trimming their nails, or ideally, wait until they are asleep.
Avoid Trimming Nails on the 1st Day of the Lunar Month
According to Vietnamese folk belief, it’s best to avoid trimming nails on the first day of the lunar month, especially for children. Nails are considered part of the body, and it’s believed that removing anything from the body at the beginning of the month is inauspicious. Since babies have weaker immune systems, it’s best to follow this tradition: “Better safe than sorry.”
Use a Dedicated Baby Nail Care Kit
For safe and convenient nail trimming, use a dedicated baby nail care kit. These kits are designed with appropriately sized and sharpened tools for infants. It’s highly recommended to purchase a specialized baby nail care kit.
You can find one here: https://www.kidsplaza.vn/bo-cat-mong-tay-mamago.html
For more information, please visit: https://www.kidsplaza.vn/
Hotline: 18006608
See also:
All the essential newborn care skills parents need to know
Proper hygiene for newborns
