When Should Baby’s Nails Be Cut For The First Time?

When should the baby’s nails be cut? This question is often a cause for concern for parents. For this reason, we explain to you what are all the precautions you need to take into account.

There are many legends surrounding the moment of cutting baby’s nails for the first time. Some of them are associated with conditions or diseases that the child will suffer from as a result of the parents’ decision to cut them. In reality,  there is no such limit to when it is appropriate to cut his nails.

By nature, babies have delicate skin, because they were left in a liquid environment for nine months. This also applies to their nails, which  will be soft and brittle at first. The ideal is to wait for them to harden a little, which will simplify their cutting.

However,  there are babies who are born with long nails, due to the fact that their gestation lasted longer. This causes scratches that worry parents and can therefore be special situations. In these cases it is recommended to file or cut the baby’s nails very carefully.

When should a newborn baby’s nails be cut?

At birth, baby’s nails are very close to the skin, making it very difficult to cut them. For this reason, it  is recommended to wait three to four weeks to reduce their size. Unless it is easy to identify a separation between the nail and the flesh, it is best to avoid using scissors.

Another way to painlessly shorten your nails is to  file them using a special baby file. This way, you can prevent the little one from getting scratched. It is also possible for them to get caught in clothing or lift up. In general, the nails of the little ones are more pointed at the ends.

The other element to consider is the periodicity of the cut. It is difficult to establish a routine in this regard, because  baby nails grow fast. There are children who even need two cuts a week. It is highly recommended to monitor their growth. The same goes for toenails.

How to cut a newborn baby’s nails?

To cut your baby’s nails, it is advisable to  wait for the moment when he is most relaxed. It could be after a bath, after you have been breastfed, or while you are sleeping. If it is a quiet baby, you can try to have him sit on his mother’s lap.

During the first months of life,  special baby scissors with a rounded tip should be used. When cutting nails, the scissors should be placed perpendicular to the finger to avoid deep cuts.

When cutting your baby’s nails, it is important that there is good lighting to avoid possible accidents. Likewise, the hand must be held firmly to compensate for any involuntary movement. The cut must be done with precision and firmness.

Common mistakes that need to be avoided

• Cut the nails in a curved shape. The baby’s nails should be cut in a square shape. Among other reasons, why this prevents them from getting stuck during growth.

• Shorten the nail too short. Some parents make the mistake of cutting their nails down to the level of the part that adheres to the skin: in this way a large part of the finger is left exposed, allowing infections to develop through this path.
• Use scissors or nail clippers for other purposes. The utensils must be reserved to be used exclusively on him, so that we can guarantee his health.
• Biting the baby’s nails. A more common technique than one might think is to use the teeth to shorten the baby’s nails. Faced with the fear of scissors, some mothers nibble on their baby’s nails, which can lead to infections.
• Let the nails come off on their own. Another possible reaction to the fear of cutting your baby’s nails is to let them grow and peel off on their own. In some cases, deep cuts or an increased risk of scratching the baby can result.

The legend of gloves or mittens

To avoid scratches,  some parents put gloves or mittens on their children. This is a common mistake. This kind of accessories must be used exclusively as protection from the cold. We must not forget that babies interact with the environment around them through their hands.

Touch allows them to recognize their parents and interact with their mother when it comes time to be nursed. They also practice sucking, when they bring the fist to their mouth and discover its characteristics. So, let your baby’s hands free and pay special attention to his nails and when they need to be trimmed.