How to cut the nails of a newborn baby

Nails in babies begin to grow even in the mother’s womb at 8–9 months, so some crumbs are born with long claws. New mittens put on handles special mittens, which prevent babies from scratching themselves or their mother during feeding. Mittens are used in the first weeks when the baby's nails are too thin, so they can not be trimmed. But they become stronger and thicker, and now it's time to make the baby the first manicure.

Tools for the newborn

Scissors and tweezers, with which mom cuts the cuticle for herself and dad, are not suitable for caring for a child. Usually they have pointed ends that can injure the baby. And if the whole family uses the tool, other people's germs and dirt particles remain on the blades, and in some cases also a fungus. The newborn’s immune system is too weak to withstand infections and bacteria, and a standard hygiene procedure may result in inflammation.

The baby should have its own scissors with rounded ends. The tool is designed for babies, because they do not lie calmly, pull their arms and legs, break out, and mom can accidentally poke her baby in a finger or palm. But nothing bad will happen, because the manufacturer took care of the safety of his product.

It is important that the scissors are sharp. Dull blades lead to stratification of the nail plate, which is why an adult child forms an ugly and inaccurate manicure. Tweezers should be reserved for six-month-old babies. Trimming nails in newborns is easier with special scissors.

When and how to trim nails

The nail plate becomes strong and dense 3-5 weeks after the baby is born. Mom herself will see that the baby's claws hardened and slightly changed color. Trim your nails in a sterile environment:

1. Put the baby on a clean, ironed diaper. Wash and thoroughly wipe his handles.
2. Mom should use soap and an antibacterial agent.
3. Treat scissors or tongs with alcohol, peroxide or an antiseptic.
4. Keep cotton swabs or a sterile bandage on hand. Put on the table a bottle of furatsilinom, peroxide or a three percent alcohol solution.

Good mood

It is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures when the baby is cheerful and calm. This happens in three cases:

• when the baby is eating well, he is not bothered by colic, and the diaper is clean;
• after bathing in warm water and a gentle massage;
• when the baby is sleeping.

Experienced mothers prefer to trim the nails of a sleepy newborn, because the children do not toss and turn and are not afraid of scissors. On the other hand, one careless movement can wake the baby, and yet he had to rock out for 30 minutes or more.

So that the awake baby does not jerk sharply with a handle or leg, it is recommended to turn the baby on her stomach. Scissors to choose with bright handles that will interest and attract the attention of the child. The whole process should be turned into a fun game, entertaining the newborn with rattles and songs. Then he will not be scared and break out.

How to do everything quickly and safely

1. The baby’s palm or heel should be firmly fixed in the hand. You can ask your dad or grandmother to hold the limb of the newborn while mom works with scissors.
2. Grasp the nail plate with your index finger and thumb.
3. Pull off the skin so as not to accidentally cut off excess.
4. With one or several movements, cut the nail, leaving 1-2 mm. If you remove the entire protruding part, the child will be uncomfortable and painful.
5. The nails on the handles should be oval with a slightly elongated center. On their legs they are made straight to avoid the ingrowth of corners.

Together with the nails, barbs are also trimmed. Pieces of skin rub against clothes and cause discomfort, which is why the newborn is naughty and crying.

Tip: If a baby has an ingrown nail on his arm or leg, he should be shown to a pediatric surgeon. You can’t try to fix the situation yourself. You can introduce an infection, and the skin around the nail and under it will become inflamed.

Emergency measures

Moms who perform the procedure for the first time often cut off a bit of skin. There is nothing wrong with this, and if blood comes out on the finger, there is no need to panic. No wonder there is an antiseptic and cotton wool at hand.

Erase the blood, treat the wound with an alcohol solution or furatsilinom. Blow, kiss, and you're done. The cut will quickly tighten without leaving a trace.

In children's manicure sets there is also a nail file designed for polishing nails on the hands. Use the accessory once every 1-3 months. If you file your nails too often, they will begin to delaminate and become very weak and brittle.

Repeat the hygiene procedure weekly. In some babies, the nails grow faster, and in others after 8-14 days. Pediatricians recommend taking a closer look and deciding on their own when it is time to trim the excess.

It is not difficult to handle scissors, and if you are scared to approach a child without practice, you can experiment with your husband or grandmother. After such lessons, mom will become a real master who can make the baby the perfect manicure in minutes.

Video: how to cut the nails of a newborn (baby)