Are your baby's tiny nails starting to leave marks on your skin? Is it finally time to trim your baby's nails, but you're feeling a little unsure? You're not alone! Trimming your baby's nails is probably one of the scariest things you'll experience as a new parent. Handling anything that could cut your little one is no easy task, and the thought of accidentally drawing blood is daunting.
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Luckily There are plenty of tips and tricks on how to trim your baby's nails. I've listed a few of them below, along with some methods you should avoid.
Unfortunately Young children don't have control over where their fingers reach. This is mostly due to their lack of muscle control, which doesn't fully develop until they're older.
Sometimes their fingers end up in vulnerable spots, like their eyes. For a while, the baby had only small scratches near the eye.
Even though I trimmed his nails at least once a week, it wasn't enough. This brings us to the next point. Baby nails grow quickly, and some mothers suggest trimming their baby's nails every few days—I ended up doing the same thing.
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Nail clipper for cutting baby's nails
This is a favorite method for many mothers. Perhaps because most of us use it on our nails. But it's also likely because it can cause a slight cut on our fingers.
You can get nail clippers that are small and specifically designed for small nails. Some even have large handles, making them easier to hold with larger hands. However, many mothers report that they prefer larger nail clippers because they trim nails from side to side in one stroke.
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Scissors for cutting baby's nails
Not every mom is brave enough to use scissors—they look scary! However, a number of them swear by this method. Especially when you can get a pair of children's scissors with blunt edges.
One of the advantages of scissors is the added control they give you. You can easily see where you're cutting.
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Nail file for cutting baby nails
Using a nail file is the safest way to trim your baby's nails. Experts generally recommend using a fine emery board or nail file if your baby is under one month old. At this time, their nails are soft and there's no immediate need for trimming.
However, some mothers report that the nail file was ineffective on a newborn's soft nails. However, a solution for a four- or five-month-old baby's ingrown nails may be just the right solution for you.
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How to cut baby's nails
When it comes to trimming your baby's nails, parents use different methods. It all depends on what makes you and your baby comfortable. Some mothers find it more comfortable to have their partner help with the process. Others may find it easier during feeding time, or perhaps when their baby is fast asleep.
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Before we start cutting your baby's nails, here are some additional tips:
Find a good position: Place your baby on your lap, or lay him on the bed when he's asleep. Find a place that's comfortable for you.
Vision: Don't try to trim your child's nails in a dimly lit room, even if they're asleep. Sit by a window or near a lamp—anything that gives you enough light to carefully review the process.
Hold your baby firmly: The more active their hands are, the greater the chance of accidentally cutting their fingers. If your child seems nervous, talk or sing while you're busy.
Use a sandpaper board: If there are any rough edges, use a sandpaper pad to smooth them out.
Trim nails after showering: They will be softer and easier to cut. With the various ways to trim your baby's nails, choose the one that's most comfortable for you.
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How you cut your baby's nails is largely up to you, whether you use scissors, a nail clipper, or a nail file. Here's what you do:
Get a good grip on the finger: Be firm but gentle, the finger should remain still.
Gently push the tip of your finger back: Use your finger to gently push the tip away from the nail. This creates some space for your chosen nail trimmer.
Make short, small clips on your nails: Place these clips above the white line of your nail. It's not recommended to go any shorter. If you're using a file, gently file the nail along that line.
Cut straight across the toenails: For toenails, follow the steps above. However, when cutting or filing, do so straight across, not in a curve.
What not to do when cutting a child's nails
Although you have a lot of freedom when it comes to trimming your baby's nails, there are two methods you should not try.
Don't bite your child's nails: Staring at your child's nails in need of trimming without a hand tool may make you feel the urge to bite them. But please don't.
By biting their nails, they introduce germs from your mouth, which can cause a viral or bacterial infection. They also likely leave sharp edges.
Don't cut your nails: Even if it's just a small portion of the nail, don't be tempted to just pull it off—you could cause a corn to develop. Ingrown nails are painful and can become infected. Both methods can easily remove too much nail, causing injury to your child's finger or toe.
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What should I do if I cut my baby's skin?
Accidents happen—baby nails are tiny and babies are fickle. If you accidentally hurt your baby, don't feel bad—you're not alone. Here's what to do:
stay calm:Don't panic; there's no need to rush to the emergency room.
Finger rinse: Take your child to the bathroom and rinse their finger under cool, running water. This will stop the bleeding.
Wrap it in a handkerchief: Wrap the finger in a tissue and apply gentle pressure. The bleeding should stop within a few minutes.
Remove the tissue: The tissue should be removed after the bleeding stops.
Do not apply a bandage: No bandage is needed.
Trimming your baby's nails can be intimidating—their fingers are tiny, so there's little room for error. Fortunately, there are plenty of techniques and tools you can use, and it all depends on what you're comfortable with.
Some parents prefer scissors, while others stick to a fine file. But as long as you stay calm, keep your baby in line, and don't cut too short, you'll be successful.
the source : How to Trim Baby Nails
