How To Trim a Baby's Nails
- December 10, 2007
- 18,663 Views
Produced by
Howcast Media
Directed by
Kevin Hall
Writer
Maura Rhodes
Voice-Over Artist
Marci Fine
Production Designer
Karin Olsen
Music
Edison Music Corp
Art Director
Dew Gueramian
Ten little fingers, ten little toes. . . which translates into twenty nearly microscopic nails to trim. But fear not, it’s easier to do than it sounds.
You Will Need
- A baby in need of a nail trimming
- Baby nail clippers or baby scissors with rounded tips
- And an emery board
- A sterile gauze pad, in case you nick a little digit (optional)
Step 1: Pick your moment
Pick your moment. The best time to trim a baby’s nails is while she’s sleeping. If you have to do it while she’s awake, get someone to help distract her or give her a toy to hold in the hand you aren’t working on.
Some parents like to cut a baby’s nails after a bath, when the nails are soft and the baby’s relaxed and cooperative.
Step 2: Trim nails
To trim your baby’s fingernails, cut around the shape of each nail, rather than straight across, so you don’t leave any sharp edges. You can usually do this in one cut with baby scissors; if you prefer to use baby clippers, do three separate clips per nail.
You can also use an emery board to file down your baby’s nails instead of cutting them.
Step 3: Trim toenails
Trim tiny toenails straight across.
Step 4: Stop bleeding
If you accidentally nick a little finger or toe, don’t worry: it happens! Use a sterile gauze pad to apply gentle pressure to the spot until it stops bleeding—but don’t put on a bandage, which could come off and find its way into her mouth.
Step 5: Use emery board
Use an emery board to smooth any rough edges, and wave hello to your handiwork.
A fetus starts growing fingernails at around 10 weeks.
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Comments (3)
Very help as it gave me confidence and an approach to this tricky task!
over 4 years ago by katiewest
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