Clipping Fingernails

Finger nails of babies have to be trimmed frequently so that they do not scratch and hurt themselves. Scissors or nail clippers meant for the baby are used for trimming as they are safer. Here is a guide on trimming your babys nails. In this articleHow should I trim the babys fingernails?Should I use a nail clipper or a pair of blunt scissors?Steps for Clipping Baby’s Finger NailsHow should I trim the babys fingernails?Keep babys nails trimmed so that she does not scratch himself. Use a pair of blunt-tipped fingernail scissors so that you do not hurt the baby. Keep her nails short and smooth. It is easier to cut the nails after a bath when they are soft or when she is asleep and her fingers are relaxed. Whether mothers use a pair of scissors or a nail clipper, it may help push back the skin underneath the nails and then trim them.Should I use a nail clipper or a pair of blunt scissors?Most infant grooming sets come with a nail clipper as well as a pair of blunt scissors. You should initially use the scissors because they are safer for the baby. The only drawback is that you cannot cut the nails too close. (Which means you may have to trim the babys nails more often). Be more careful with a nail clipper, even if it is especially for infants, because the chances of your cutting the baby are very high. You will be surprised to know how many first-time mothers have drawn blood from their babys finger.Steps for Clipping Baby’s Finger NailsAs you can understand trimming fingers is essential not only to ensure hygiene and good health but also to prevent cases of scratching with the sharp nails. So, here are summarised some easy steps that you can follow to make the whole affair a lot easier. If you find it easier by involving your partner into this, you may try that as well.In the first place you need to hold her palm and fingers firmly with one of your hands and trim her fingers with your other hand.Use baby nail scissors for cutting her nails. These are rounded baby clippers that are comparatively safer than any other scissors.If you have a nail care kit, you may also get emery boards and nail files with it. However, you may not want to use them if you want to cut the nails really short. But cutting nails too short also increases the risk of cutting baby’s skin in the process.The nail files can be an easier option when you are not yet comfortable with the clippers or scissors. May be you can consider using the files till she starts cooperating with you. Be careful while clipping your baby’s nails and do not cut the baby’s nails very short as you can accidentally draw her blood. In case if you do so, you must be prepared with sterile gauze and apply gently on the affected area.Babies have the habit of putting their fingers in their mouth. So, you need to be careful that she does not dislodge the bandage and chock it.Babies tend to grow their nails very fast and thus you may need to trim them twice every week. In fact nails shall continue to grow fast till they attain toddlerhood.In spite of following these steps, you might be fraught with plenty of challenges when it comes to nail trimming. You may try to clip her nails when she is sleeping. As mentioned before, pricking the skin is highly possible when your baby is not cooperating with you in the process. However, baby skin tends to heel very fast and you need not worry much about it. In case you see the skin around her toenails get hardened or inflamed you must get in touch with the doctor as early as possible.