Many parents wonder when and how to cut their baby's nails for the first time.
Most pediatricians recommend waiting for your child's nails to grow long enough, then trimming them with a pair of blunt scissors or a file.
In this article, we will explain step by step when and how to cut a baby's nails without hurting him.
We will also discuss some issues that can occur if you cut the nails too short.
When to cut babies' nails for the first time?
Many new parents are faced with the start of their child's development. Although there's no set date for trimming your baby's nails for the first time, most parents tend to do it around three months of age.
Indeed, it is during this period that babies' nails begin to grow, which makes them long enough to be cut.
To safely trim your baby's nails, it's important to use the proper tools , such as blunt scissors or a nail file. These tools must be kept clean and disinfected between each use to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Don't be afraid to seek help and advice from a loved one or carer when trimming your baby's nails for the first time, as young children sometimes have trouble sitting still.
Once you've properly trimmed your baby's nails, you need to watch them to make sure they grow steadily and don't ingrown or become infected.
How to cut babies' nails without hurting them?
There are several factors to consider when trimming a baby's nails without hurting them.
First and foremost, it is essential to be gentle and careful , as babies can be sensitive and easily startled.
How to proceed and hold the baby to cut his nails efficiently and safely?
- Wash your hands and those of your baby with warm water and soap.
- Trim your baby's nails while he is sleeping or quiet. This will prevent him from moving his hands and scratching.
- Start at the thumb and work up to the little finger.
- Be very careful not to cut the skin around the nails. If you accidentally cut the skin, apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
- Use a nail file to smooth rough nail edges or an electric nail file for more efficiency.
- When finished, wash your hands and your baby's hands again with warm water and soap to prevent any remaining debris from irritating the skin.
- Finally, monitor your baby's nails to make sure they continue to grow steadily and are not ingrown or infected.
What time of day should babies' nails be cut?
- After the bath or evening bath : The best times to cut your baby's nails are right after bathing or washing hands . The nails are wet and more malleable, which makes the exercise easier and more pleasant.
- During naptime : Since babies tend to move around a lot, trimming their nails while they sleep ensures that you have a free hand to hold the finger firmly.
Make sure you have enough light and clean, sharp nail scissors before you begin. Cut the nails slowly and carefully following the natural curve and not in a straight line, in order to avoid any risk of injury.
What tools should you use to cut baby nails?
When it comes to trimming young children's nails, there are a number of different tools that can be used.
Traditional nail clippers
They are not necessarily the best option, as they often slip or pinch the cuticles.
A pair of blunt-ended scissors
For trimming baby's nails, scissors may be a safer option, as long as they are blunt-tipped and specially designed for infants.
nail file
You can also use a baby nail file, which can shorten and smooth nails without causing pain.
electric nail file
Many parents are increasingly turning to electric nail clippers .
Our BabyCoupe™ electric nail clipper, in addition to being easy to use and manageable , is specially designed to be ultra-quiet and gentle on babies' soft nails, so they don't cause any shock or discomfort to your baby. small, especially if they have thin, delicate nails.
Ultimately, the choice of tool will depend on factors such as the child's growth rate and their personal comfort level with the chosen tool.
Once you've finished trimming your baby's nails, it's important to check for signs of infection , such as redness, swelling, or tenderness. If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.
How to manage in case of injury? What are the risks ?
As with any type of cut, there is always a risk of infection when cutting a baby's nails.
If the nails are cut too short , they can bleed or become ingrown, which can cause pain and discomfort for the baby.
In some cases, infections can also occur if bacteria from nail clippers or scissors are transferred to the skin around the nails.
To minimize these risks, it's important to take your time when trimming a baby's nails and avoid cutting them too short . Also, you should make sure the nail clippers or scissors are clean and disinfected before use.
Caring for baby's nails and trimming frequency
It's important to keep your baby's nails short but not too short, if the edges of their nails are too sharp they could scratch their face unintentionally.
Ideally, you should trim your baby's nails about once a week , or whenever they start to look too long or jagged. This will avoid the risk of infection and ensure the comfort and safety of your baby.
Taking care of your baby's nails can be daunting, but it's important to keep them trimmed and short. By following these simple tips, you can avoid infection and discomfort while keeping your child safe.
We have seen that there are different ways to cut a baby's nails , each with its pros and cons.
Scissors seem to be the most obvious and traditional way to cut children's nails.
But if you want a safer method that doesn't require a lot of effort and poses the least risk to little fingers, try our electric nail clipper specially designed for toddlers.
But whether you choose to trim your baby's nails using a nail clipper, electric file , or some other method, it's essential to take the time to do it carefully.
