How to cut baby’s nails safely?

Cutting baby nails can be a difficult and stressful task for parents. Babies have very fine, delicate nails that need special care when trimming to avoid cuts and injuries. In this article, we’ll look at the steps you need to take to trim your baby’s nails safely.

Wait for the right moment

Cutting your baby’snails is a task that requires precision ! Parents are often anxious: fear of hurting someone, baby gesticulating.. . what’s the ideal moment to give your baby a manicure and, above all, how should you go about it? Follow our advice for a successful manicure.

Your baby’s nails grow at an amazing rate in the first few weeks of life. When we see this, we’re tempted to cut them as quickly as possible. That way, the risk of scratching is reduced. However, we strongly advise you to wait until your baby is at least 1 month old before starting this task. Before then, their nails are still soft, and cutting them too soon could lead to infection or panic. If you’re worried about your baby hurting himself, or if this has already happened, don’t hesitate to cover his hands with mittens.

Use specific, optimised tools

To cut baby’snails safely, it’s essential to choose the right tools. You can of course opt for conventional nail clippers, but there’s still a slight risk that you’ll hurt your baby.

In that case, it’s best to opt for nail clippers that are adapted to baby’s fragile little fingers. Most models have a safety system to protect the skin under the nail.

You can also use a special pair of round-tipped scissors for babies. Alternatively, a glass nail file is another alternative that paediatricians recommend. It’s perfect for shortening baby’s nails with ease.

The tools you need

To cut baby’s nails safely, you need the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Baby nail scissors.
2. A baby nail file.
3. A clean cloth to wipe baby’s nails.
4. A light source to help you see baby’s nails.

Precautions to take

Before you start cutting your baby’s nails, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid any risk of accident. Here are the precautions you should take:

First of all, choose a time when your baby is calm and relaxed, to avoid sudden movements that could cause you to cut too short. Next, find a comfortable, well-lit place to cut your baby’s nails. It’s important to be able to see the nails clearly to avoid any mistakes. Use scissors specially designed for baby nails, as they are finer and more precise than ordinary scissors. This will also avoid the risk of cutting or injury. Finally, make sure you don’t cut your nails too short. It is advisable to cut nails just below the edge of the nail to avoid any pain or infection.

Disinfect tools and always use them exclusively for your little one!

So you’ve chosen the right tool to look after your little one’s nails? We strongly recommend that you disinfect it before each use. This reduces the risk of infection and inflammation after cutting. You should also be aware that whatever tool you use, it should belong exclusively to baby! No other member of the family should use it. The aim is to prevent the transfer of bacteria and other diseases through direct contact.

Make sure baby’s little fingers and toes are well immobilised when cutting!

When trimming your baby’s nails, be careful to hold your baby’s finger or toe firmly in place. Hold it between your thumb and forefinger and squeeze it tightly so that it doesn’t move. If you’re worried about your baby fidgeting and hurting himself, wait until he’s asleep. That way, you won’t have to worry about carrying out the operation.

Trim at regular intervals

Toddler fingernails grow back quickly. So it’s a good idea to trim them once a week. Toenails, on the other hand, grow back slowly. You can cut them once a month. In any case, the frequency should be regular so that baby gets used to them.

Using mittens

Mittens, also known as baby mitts, are small cotton gloves designed to protect baby’s face and body from nail scratches. They are particularly useful in situations where you can’t cut your baby’s nails straight away. Here are a few tips for using mittens effectively:

1. Choose the right mittens: Choose mittens made from soft, breathable cotton. Make sure they are the right size for your baby’s hands and that they stay in place without being too tight.
2. Keep mittens clean: Mittens need to be washed regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure your baby’s hygiene. Wash them by hand or machine, following the instructions on the label.
3. Use mittens at appropriate times: Put mittens on your baby mainly when he’s asleep, when involuntary movements are more frequent and the risk of scratching is higher. You can also use them at quiet times, such as when breastfeeding or cuddling.
4. Monitor the use of mittens: It’s important not to leave mittens permanently on your baby’s hands, as this could limit the development of hand-eye coordination and the discovery of his hands. Make sure you remove the mittens when your baby is awake and active, so they can explore freely.
5. Managing temperature: Mittens can make your baby’s hands hot, especially in the summer months. Keep an eye on your baby’s temperature and remove the mittens if necessary to prevent overheating.

FAQ

• When is the best time to trim my baby’s nails?

The best time to cut your baby’s nails is when he’s calm and relaxed, for example while he’s sleeping or just after a feed. This reduces the risk of sudden movements that could cause injury.

• What tools should I use to trim my baby’s nails?

Use round-tipped scissors specially designed for babies, or baby nail clippers. These tools are smaller and better suited to your child’s delicate nails.

• How should I hold my baby while I cut his nails?

Sit down in a well-lit, comfortable place and place your baby on your lap or in a position that allows you to stabilise his hands and feet. Hold your baby’s hand or foot firmly to limit movement during nail cutting.

• How do I cut my baby’s nails correctly?

Cut the nails following the natural curve of the nail, taking care not to cut too close to the skin. For toenails, cut straight to avoid ingrown toenails.

• How often should I trim my baby’s nails?

Babies’ nails grow quite quickly. We generally recommend checking and trimming fingernails once a week, and toenails about every 10 days.