Cutting vs Filing Baby’s Nails

How do I trim my baby’s nails? Well..you can cut them with clippers. You can file them with a baby file or an electric file. You can cover them up. Or a dad favorite- you can bit them off!

What is the safest way to trim my baby’s nails?

The safest way to shorten your baby’s nails is the one that you feel the most safe and comfortable with. If you don’t shorten your baby’s nails they can cut themselves and cause themselves discomfort, or even infection.

We’ll briefly explain the options, and if you still aren’t sure, we have a video showing step by step how to do both! It’s part of our Newborn Care Basics Mini-Class.

Cutting with clippers

This is Kristin’s favorite way to trim baby nails!

When cutting nails try to have only one finger out at a time. Curl the baby’s other fingers into a fist and keep them out of the way. Peel back the pad of the baby’s finger so it exposes all of the white of the nail. Slide the clipper in from the side, following where the nail and skin meet to help prevent cutting skin.

Tips: Swaddle the arm you aren’t using!

Filing with a file

This is Karina’s favorite way to trim baby nails!

The trick is to start from the sides, and then trim the top last. [Much easier to show in video format!]

Make sure that you have the correct grit for your baby’s nail. The file should easily sand down the nail but not damage the baby’s skin if you go too far down.

Covering them up!

This is an option for those that are afraid. But it’s temporary. You can keep your baby covered until you are able to get together with someone you trust, but eventually they need to be trimmed! They will grow forever.

Teeth!

Sounds scary right? We definitely don’t have a video for this one. This is a time old traditional method that your grandmother likely used to trim your parent’s nails. It can allow for more control and to only take off small slivers at a time. Baby nails are very thin and easy to remove.

This method is not recommended because of the potential of introducing bacteria from the mouth that can increase risk of infection.

What happens if I cut my baby?

You breathe. And you forgive yourself. It happens. Probably at least once it WILL happen! You apply a clean tissue or towel until the bleeding stops. It’s usually very superficial and won’t cause a mark or reason for alarm. If a cut looks swollen, red around the edges or has any green/yellow discharge- call your medical provider. This is more common with older babies that suck their hands and get into dirty things!