Tips To Trim Baby Nails

My published article in oneindia.com:  http://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/baby/2013/tips-trim-baby-nails-033568.html

Keeping your baby’s tiny finger and toe nails short is very important as it will help them to stop scratching themselves and you. It will make your baby’s nails easier to clean as well. Since babies crawl and roll the way they like, chances are more to get dirt trapped in their nails. When they suck their little fingers, this dirt will also get ingested. But it is not so easy to cut your baby’s nails especially if they are not co-operative. If you find cutting the nails of your baby an unnerving process, then try these tips and techniques to keep them short, clean and hygienic. 

Tips To Trim Baby Nails

1. Find a comfortable position: Select a comfortable position which will help you to access your baby’s hands or feet correctly. This is very important to keep your baby safe from getting injured. If they are not asleep, then try to keep them in their rocking chair or high chair.

2.Nail biting: Biting off is the easiest way to cut your baby’s nails. You may try nibbling your baby’s nails while feeding or when they are sleeping. Take care not to peel the nails across which will hurt your baby. You can make the process easier if you try it after a bath when their nails are soft and easy to bite off.

3. Baby clippers: Clippers that are designed especially for babies are available in market which will make your task easier. Clippers will help to trim your baby’s nails quickly and efficiently. Take care not to end up nipping their skin instead.

4. Baby scissors: Small round tipped scissors are ideal for trimming your baby’s tiny finger and toe nails. Best time to cut your baby’s nails is when they are asleep. If not, try to distract their concentration to something else while trying to cut.

5. Team work: It will be easier to trim your baby’s nail if you get your partner involved in your task.One of you can hold your baby and try to distract him with some sounds while the other one can trim their nails. This will make the baby comfortable as well.

6. Check regularly: Check your baby’s hands and feet often for any excess nail growth. Trimming regularly will keep your task easy. If your older baby starts wearing shoes, trimming their nails is more important as it can hurt them otherwise.

7. Stay calm: Don’t panic if you accidentally cut him. It is important to stay calm so that your baby will not associate nail trimming as something distressing. Place a cotton ball over the site and apply slight pressure. Never put a plaster as it may loosen when they suck their fingers.

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