How to trim your baby's nails

Should I trim my baby's nails?

Newborn babies tend to have long, fast-growing nails, and you may worry that your baby will scratch his face with them. 

However, resist trimming your baby's nails before he is a month old. It's hard to tell which bit of the nail growth is still attached to the quick, and the tip will bleed if you trim too low. The nail may then become infected. Instead, use special mittens, put socks on his hands, or keep him wrapped up so his hands aren't near his face. 

When his nails have hardened a little, once he is about eight weeks, you can trim them, though do this carefully. If you accidentally nick the skin, try not to worry. Gently hold a piece of clean, damp cotton wool to the site and apply a little pressure. The bleeding will soon stop. 

Little fingernails grow so quickly that you may have to cut them or pinch them off more than once a week. His toenails will grow more slowly and require less frequent attention.

How do I trim my baby's nails without nicking his fingers?

The easiest way to trim your baby's nails may be to just peel the ends off with your fingers. They're so soft that the surplus will come away easily. 

Otherwise, you could buy a pair of baby scissors or nail clippers with specially rounded ends. Cutting his nails may be easier if there are two adults involved. One could gently hold him and keep him from wriggling too much while the other trims his nails. 

You may also want to try cutting your baby's nails while he is feeding or sleeping, so he'll be calmer. Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking his skin, and keep a firm hold on his hand as you cut or clip. Cut the nail around the curve of the finger, and his toenails straight across. However don't cut down the side of his nail, as this may cause ingrown nails and infections. 

You can also use an emery board to gently file your baby's nails. If they're not too long, this may mean you won't need to cut them. An emery board can neaten off any jagged edges after cutting, too.