Caring For Your Baby’s Nails
Babies’ nails are soft yet sharp – it is important to keep them short, so they do not scratch themselves. Their nails usually grow quickly in the first couple of years, so you might need to trim them once or twice a week, or even more frequently in some cases.
It is best to clip your baby’s nails either after their bath when they are softer, or when they are asleep.
Tips
- Use one hand to hold your baby’s palm and fingers still while you cut with the other hand.
- Use baby nail scissors or clippers to trim your baby’s nails.
- To smooth any rough edges left after cutting, use an emery board.
- Be cautious not to cut their skin. If you accidentally make them bleed (which can happen with wiggly babies), gently press a sterile gauze pad on the spot to stop the bleeding. Avoid using a bandage due to choking risk.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse for immunizations and other prenatal support.
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
Eastern Zones:
- Prenatal Education Classes, via Zoom or in Person Children and Women’s Health