Welcoming your baby into the world brings a lot of surprises—including just how quickly those tiny nails can grow!
While those miniature fingers are adorable, they can also be unexpectedly sharp and cause unwanted tiny scratches.
Learning how to cut the nails of an infant safely is a simple skill that will keep your baby comfortable and scratch-free.
Why Keeping Up with Nail Care Matters
It might seem like a small task, but regular nail care is a vital part of keeping your baby healthy and happy.
Preventing Accidental Scratches
Newborns don’t yet have full control over their arm movements. They often wave their hands near their face (even while they’re sleeping), which can lead to accidental scratches on their delicate skin or even their eyes.
Keeping nails short ensures that their natural movements don’t result in any “ouch” moments for them—or for you during breastfeeding time!
Managing Fast Growth
An infant’s nails grow surprisingly fast; that’s why monitoring their hands every few days is a good idea.
How often you need to trim your baby’s nails will depend on their individual growth, but most parents find that once or twice a week is the sweet spot for keeping them smooth.
Toenails grow more slowly, so you’ll probably have to trim them once or twice a month.
Expert Tips on How to Cut Nails of Infant Safely
Trimming those tiny nails is much easier when you have a plan. Here’s how to turn a potentially stressful task into a calm part of your caregiving routine.
The “Press and Trim” Technique
When you’re ready to start, hold your baby’s finger gently but firmly.
The secret to avoiding nicks is to gently press the pad of the fingertip down and away from the nail. This creates a clear space for the clipper or scissors to slide in safely.
Work slowly, following the natural curve of the fingernail, and trim toenails straight across to keep them growing healthy.
Finding the Perfect Moment
The easiest way to handle this task is when your baby is relaxed or distracted—while the baby is deep in a nap or after a warm bath, when the baby’s nails are at their softest.
Setting the Scene
Good visibility is your best ally. Choose a spot with plenty of natural light, like near a bright window.
If you have no option but to work in the evening, use a small lamp that you can direct specifically toward your baby’s hand so you can see exactly where the nail ends and the skin begins.
Choosing The Right Tools
Use tools specifically designed for infants. Adult-sized clippers are too large and can make it difficult to see what you are doing.
If using a clipper feels a bit intimidating at first, don’t worry! A gentle nail file or emery board is a wonderful alternative. You can use it to smooth down the edges or even file the entire nail down instead of clipping.
Handling Tiny Nicks and Scratches
It is the moment every parent dreads, but even the most careful hands can have a slip-up. If you do happen to nick a tiny finger, follow these instructions.
If you see a tiny bit of blood, simply wrap a piece of clean tissue or a sterile gauze pad around the finger and apply gentle pressure for a few minutes.
Because the skin of Little Ones heals fast, the bleeding will usually stop almost immediately.
What Not to Do
- Avoid putting the baby’s finger in your mouth, as germs could spread to them.
- Do not put a plastic bandage on your baby’s finger, as it could slip and they could accidentally swallow it.
- Avoid using liquid bandages or ointments unless specifically recommended by your pediatrician.
Mastering how to cut the nails of an infant is just one of the many small ways you care for your baby every day. With the right tools and a bit of patience, those tiny manicures will soon become a quick and easy part of your routine.
Want more tips on caring for your Little One’s delicate skin? Explore our children’s skincare guide next!