How to perfectly trim infant fingernails

How can you keep your infant safe during their first manicure? Learn from my mistakes, that's how.

 

• Brand-new babies have such moist fingernails, which often do not clip well. You can use the emery board to file them down until they are hard enough to clip.
• Another technique is to bite off your baby's fingernails while he or she is nursing.
• Try doing this while the baby is sleeping, nursing, or otherwise distracted.
• Don't forget the toenails. They do not grow as fast, but you don't want your baby scratching up his or her little legs.

The steps are below:
1. Put baby in mittens.
When your baby is first born, those little nails may seem sharp, but they're too soft for regular nail clippers. This is why you can purchase or make small baby mittens to keep baby from scratching his or her face. If you don't want to use baby mittens, you can make sure to keep your baby's arms down by his or her side when you swaddle them.

2. Nibble those nails.
If you have a hanging nail or notice that your baby's nails do need to be cut, you may be more successful using your teeth than with nail clippers. Biting your baby's nails ensures that you don't get any skin when you cut.

3. Use a nail file.
I've never had much success filing my daughters' nails when they were babies, but I know other mothers who swear by it. Choose a small, narrow nail file and file gently in one direction to manage jagged baby fingernails.

4. Use small, safety nail clippers.
Should you opt to use nail clippers to cut your baby's fingernails, don't use regular, adult-sized nail clippers. Invest in a small pair of baby nail clippers. Some include a magnifying glass and other safety features so that you don't risk cutting your baby's finger by accident.

5. Time it perfectly.
Though I'd never advise that you wake a sleeping baby, you may find that one of the best times to cut your baby's fingernails is when they are sleeping or nursing. Both times the baby is less likely to jolt away and cause you to cut a finger instead of a fingernail.

6. Keep a steady hand.
Make sure you are able to keep a steady hand when you cut your baby's fingernails. If you are nursing, have your spouse do the cutting. If the baby is sleeping, make sure you have plenty of light and take your time.

Shorter fingernails will definitely help keep your baby's face free from scratches. Take your time when cutting your baby's fingernails in order to make sure that you do it right.