Trimming Baby Fingernails

Trimming baby fingernails can be a little daunting at first, but it has to be done. Your baby's fingernails are soft and razor sharp. A newborn can easily scratch his or her own face — or yours. So the best plan is to keep those nails short.

What you need

Before your baby is born, buy a pair of baby fingernail clippers (they are not expensive). They're smaller than adult clippers, with blades more rounded and dull. By using an infant nail clipper, you reduce the risk of accidentally cutting your baby's fingertip.

The in's and out's of trimming baby fingernails

It may sound easy, but just wait 'til you have the baby. It will feel as though you are maiming her and it really is quite nerve-wracking. Wielding a sharp object anywhere near your baby goes against all your basic instincts.

Don't worry though; you'll get lots of practice because babies' nails grow fast. Pretty soon, it'll be second nature. In fact, many babies need their fingernails trimmed at least once a week. You can do the job safely and painlessly by doing the following:

1. Hold the end of one finger (or toe) and push the top of the finger down so that the edge of the nail has no flesh under it. This way you won't accidentally cut her skin.

2. Follow the natural shape of your baby's nail and round off any sharp edges. Cut toenails straight across.

3. (Optional - I never had time for this step!) Check each nail to make sure it's smooth, and then use an emery board.

You will notice that toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. Still, it's a good idea to check every now and then for sharp or rough toenail edges that can scratch.

Some cultures do not use clippers to trim their babies' fingernails. Rather, the moms take the baby's finger (or toe) in their mouth and "chew" the nail off. I actually know several people who do that. It's up to you how you choose to do it.

What happens if you cut too close? OK, first of all, you will know right away because your baby will shriek like a hyena and both of you will start bawling. You will feel terrible, but try not to feel too guilty -- it was an accident! Dry your tears, and just apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. A tiny cut can bleed a lot so don't let it alarm you. Hang in there and your baby will forgive you.

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