Baby Nails Clipping

Baby nails clipping is very important for your toddler's hygiene. Sharp baby nails can harm both him and other children he plays with. Your toddler's baby nails grow faster at this stage than in her later years. Trimming his baby nails regularly also prevents inward growth of the nails which can lead to bleeding.

Find a comfortable and suitable position which helps you to easily handle the baby's fingers. Remember to opt for a place with good lighting throughout the baby nails cutting process. It becomes easier to clip off the baby nails when both parents are involved. One of you can hold her to stop her from wriggling while the other actually cuts the baby nails. You will have to hold the toddler's finger or toe with one hand and use the other hand to cut the nails. After you cut her baby nails, you can file or round the rough edges to avoid harming the toddler. Usually baby nails are so soft that you will be able to peel the ends off with your fingers. But you should be extra careful that the delicate skin underneath doesn't come off as well.

Tips for a clean and safe baby nails cutting experience

• Decide to cut your toddler's baby nails only when both your hands are free.
• Always use nail clippers or scissors with rounded edges. They are safer than normal scissors. Some parents feel that using emery paper is the safest option.
• Put some baby powder in your palm and run your toddler's nails over them. Check how much powder remains under her nails to show you how far you can cut her baby nails without causing any harm.
• Show her how baby nails clipping can be harmless by cutting your partner's and your nails with her scissors. This may make her more interested in the process and will also assure her that you intend no harm.
• As your toddler is likely to be fussy over cutting her baby nails, you may have to distract her to make your job easy. You may put on her favourite video as a source of distraction.
• You can consider filing her baby nails with a nail file if you do not want to cut them using a nail clipper. You can also sing a song to her and make her sing along with you as you cut her baby nails.
• Clip her baby nails soon after you give her a bath. The nails will be softer and you can cut them most easily.
• Another good idea is to clip the toddler's baby nails when she is asleep.
• Press the finger pad away from the nail and hold the toddler's hand firmly as you cut or clip so that you avoid cutting the skin.
• You can use a flat wooden toothpick to clean under the toddler's little baby nails.
• Get your toddler involved in the baby nails cutting process. Each time you cut a baby nail tell her to throw it away in the dustbin. Tell her that the germs are gone and she has clean baby nails.

Video on Trimming Toddler's Nails

If you accidentally cut the toddler's finger or skin when cutting her baby nails, apply pressure on the point to stop the bleeding. When the bleeding stops, apply an antibiotic ointment on the wound and cover it with a soft and clean cloth.