10 May Tips and Tricks For Manicuring Your Baby’s Nails
Most new parents will quickly realize that their baby’s tiny little nails can grow very fast. Even though your baby’s nails are softer than adult nails, they can still cause a lot of scratches both to you and your baby, if you aren’t careful. This is why it is so important for parents to make sure that they are manicuring their baby’s nails.
This can be understandably nerve wracking, especially if your baby is squirming and moving when you are trying to clip. Unfortunately, you can’t just let your baby’s fingernails go, so you need to be ready to trim them, sometimes as frequently as once ever 3-4 days (twice a week). The good news is, toenails rarely need to be clipped as often. Here are a few tips on how to do this safely while at home.
Get a Baby Nail Clipper
Trying to clip your baby’s small nails with a normal size clipper can be difficult, but the good news is there are some special baby-centered clippers out there that can help make it easier. When clipping, trip to perform short little clips above the white line of the nail so you don’t cut them back too much.
Try Filing
Filing your baby’s fingernails with a small emery board is a great way to keep their nails from being too sharp or potentially harmful. Make sure you file gently and avoid harsh metal files. If your baby does not like to have their fingernails clipped, this is a great option for in between clippings.
Clip At The Right Time
A wiggling baby will only make clipping their nails more of a challenge. Try clipping your baby’s nails while they are sleeping so you don’t have to worry about wiggling or squirming. If you are clipping your baby’s nails while they are awake try to distract them with their favorite song or toy.
Add Nail Clipping to Bath Time
One of the best times to clip your baby’s nails is right after their bath. This can be an easy addition to your child’s bath time routine. This is typically a time when your baby is relaxed and their nails are softer from being wet.
If you are struggling that day to get your baby’s nails clipped, seek help from someone who has done it before, or try to put mittens on your baby so they don’t scratch you –and then go back and try again another time. This shouldn’t be a stressful process. If you have questions about the best way to keep your child’s nails safe, contact Continuum Pediatrics at 817-617-8600 for an appointment today.