To many new parents it seems impossible, difficult and even a surgeon’s task, but in reality cutting the baby’s nails does not require higher education. It is true that it may take us a few tries to find the “trick”, but with patience and gentleness it is solved and we will be experts in baby manicures and pedicures. Here we give you some keys so that everything goes well, a guide to cut the baby’s nails and not die trying .
But, before we start, let’s remember that nothing happens when cutting the nails of the newborn, there are myths and false beliefs about this moment, totally unfounded (how curious, the same happens about cutting the hair). What’s more, if you don’t cut your child’s nails, there will come a time when they could hurt themselves.
When to cut your baby’s nails
There is no reason to fear trimming the nails of the newborn in the event that it is necessary if the nails protrude from the edge of the finger , because when making an arm movement, he could end up scratching himself and hurting his face.
To cut the baby’s nails we must bear in mind that they are very soft and are very close to the finger. Maneuvering to perform the operation on such tiny limbs is not difficult, but requires delicacy and a good pulse .
How to cut your baby’s nails
- Pick a time when your baby is calm . The worst thing we can do is try to cut her nails if she is moving around a lot or crying. If we want everything to flow without danger, it is better to wait for the child to calm down. That can be at different times for each one, such as after bathing or even while sleeping.
- Trim your nails while lying on your back and securely on a firm surface where you can easily access both of your hands and / or feet.
- If the baby is already supported sitting, have him on your legs with his back supported by you, in a safe and firm position in which he is surrounded by one of your arms, which will keep the other arm of the baby subject to prevent him from slapping while with your free hand you use the scissors or the nail clipper.
- Hold the finger of the nail that you are going to cut between your index and thumb to keep it immobile.
- Do not lengthen the process of nail trimming as the baby becomes nervous and will begin to move more, to cry … The key is to act with a mixture of decision, firmness and delicacy.
- Use clean and dry baby scissors or special nail clippers. The baby scissors are small and have a rounded tip and the clippers are tiny too, to fit the little one’s fingernail.
- Cut the nail flush with the finger , without getting too close to the skin. It is preferable to cut in a square than in the round, although you can give a slight curve to the ends so that there are no peaks.
- If there is a bit left in a nail, it is better not to use scissors and use a small file.
- Observe the color of the nails to detect possible infections (if the usual pink color is altered) or that the nail has dug into the skin, both on the hands and on the feet.
Some tricks such as cutting the baby’s nails after bathing, after a massage, asleep or accompanied by relaxing music, can work to achieve that moment of tranquility. If there are two people to carry out this “operation”, it will also be easier, since one can act as a “seat belt” or as a children’s entertainer to keep the child entertained.
But we are not always lucky enough to have such logistical support, so many times we will have to deal with ourselves. And it is not that difficult, if we follow the guide to cut the baby’s nails and not die trying . The key is to choose the right moment and not take it too long, acting decisively and delicately.
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