Easy steps to cut your baby's nails

Newborn babies tend to have soft, flexible and fast growing nails, which can easily become long and ragged. It's best to keep your baby’s nails clean and short to prevent them from scratching themselves (and you). 

Fingernails grow quickly, so you may have to trim them more than once a week. Toenails, however, grow a little more slowly, and these will only need a trim a couple of times a month.

Let the trimming begin!

Here are your nail cutting options:

Peel the ends with your fingers. This is probably the easiest way to do it in the early days. Your baby’s fingernails are so soft that the surplus will come off easily.

Baby nail scissors / clippers. if you want to trim your baby’s nails using baby nail scissors or clippers, you need to do this carefully. Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold on your baby's hand as you cut or clip.

Nail file / emery board. Filing your baby’s nails is the safest way to do it, especially in the early weeks before the nails harden. An emery board can also be used to neaten off any jagged edges after cutting with a nail clipper.

Partner up. Trimming your baby’s nails is a lot easier if there is another adult to help. One of you can gently hold your baby to keep them from wriggling too much, while the other trims the nails.

Trim around the curve. Don't probe into the sides of your baby’s nails as this could cause an infection. Trim their toenails straight across, but don’t cut them too short. Never cut down the side of the toenail, as this may cause ingrown nails.

Do not bite your baby’s nails. It is not a good idea to bite your baby’s nails to keep them short, as this could introduce germs from your mouth into any tiny cut your baby may have on their finger and cause an infection.

Help!

If you accidentally nick the skin, gently hold a piece of clean, damp cotton wool on the cut and apply a little pressure. The bleeding will soon stop. Avoid using a plaster, as it presents a choking hazard in small babies.

Top tip

It is easier to trim your baby’s nails when they are calm, for example during feeding time or when they are sleeping. If you are going to use nail clippers or scissors, make sure to get baby nail clippers or scissors, as they have special rounded ends that won’t hurt your baby when used.

Clicks stocks a wide range of baby products including baby nail clippers and nail files.