Are you a new parent and don’t know how to file my baby’s nails? What should you do? This article will show you exactly what you need to do when it is time for your little one’s nail filing appointment. In this article, we will cover everything from the best tools for the job, to tips on getting your child comfortable with the process. You’ll soon find out that there are many benefits of regular nail filings – not just for your baby but also for their caregivers!
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When To File Baby’s Nails?
Many parents are surprised to see that their baby is born with very long nails, and then doubts arise: but since when is it possible to cut them?
Babies move their legs and arms uncontrollably from birth (they will take full control of the movements of their limbs around 4-6 months): for this reason, even if the nails are soft, if they are too long, babies are at risk of unintentionally scratching their faces.
As a general rule, pediatricians do not recommend trimming babies’ nails during the first 15-20 days of life: this is because baby nails are soft and very close to the skin, and it can be difficult to tell until where it is being cut, running the risk of cutting the nail too much, thus exposing the flesh and increasing the risk of infection or that the nails – as they grow – become ingrown. However, it is possible to keep their length under control, with a baby electric nail file to help shorten them and eliminate any irregularities.
Traditionally, many parents have embraced the possibility of putting mittens on their newborns, however, it is a disputed issue. For example, pediatricians are not in favor of using them, mainly because of the possibility of limiting the development of the sense of touch. its use is increasingly discouraged: touch is a very important sense for the newborn, who begins to experience new sensations depending on what he touches even before coming into the world.
Mittens deprive babies of the possibility of knowing the world around them with the help of their hands, so it is better not to use them.
After the first month, however, we can start to use special baby scissors with a rounded tip to cut the nails: we must be very careful not to cut the nails too short and give them a slightly rounded shape without stressing too much.
How To Cut Baby’s Nails?
The hands are so small and they move so much that sometimes the moment of cutting the nails can make us a world and almost impossible mission. However, it is important to cut them. Not only because they can be scratched, but because the hands are one of the most important ways that the baby has to know the world and as soon as he learns what they are for, he will touch everything and take them to his mouth. Long fingernails can be a perfect storehouse for unwanted dirt and germs.
To cut your nails it is important to be calm and also seek a relaxed atmosphere. After a month with the baby at home, it will be easier for us to do so, especially for new parents. Many people take advantage of the time when they sleep because that way it is easier to hold their little hands firmly to avoid incidents.
After the bath, it can also be a good time. The nails are softer and the baby relaxed. You can make up a song or story. I have taught my daughters what their fingers are called. The truth is that it worked for me to talk to them. When they have grown, they have explained to me what the name of each finger was!
Asleep or awake, to cut your nails you can do it on your lap or on a flat surface like the changing table. The place that is most comfortable for you. In my case, when they were babies my partner held them while I held their little hands, firmly but delicately and with a good pulse. The first time it may be difficult for you, but as the baby grows and you take practice, you will do it with more confidence.
The baby’s nails must be cut straight, not rounded, and without leaving peaks. These can dig into the skin as they grow and can make them “ingrown.” Nor should they be left flush with the skin, because they can be nailed when they increase in size.
Factors That You Should Know Before Cutting Baby Nails
Monitor the growth of both fingernails and toenails every few days. It seems silly, but just as in summer it is very easy to see them at any time, in winter, with socks and shoes and other covers, you should remember in some change or after bathing to pay particular attention to how much the nails have grown.
Be very careful not to go overboard when cutting the nail down, if they are cut too much, the nail can stick to the flesh and cause a lot of pain, injuries, and possible infections.
There are many mothers who bite their babies’ nails. It is okay to use certain utensils to be scary, but it is not the best or the most hygienic.
You have to cut your nails square, if you cut the corners of the nail in a rounded way, it can fit into the skin as it grows and causes pain and even infections. (thus we avoid ingrown nails).
If the scissors, files, or nail clippers are for the baby’s nails, they are for that, that is, you should not use them with other things or for other purposes. There are even electronic or battery-operated files, as polishers. I have not tried them, but it gives me less confidence than controlling the file myself … For tastes, a thousand systems there are. You must find one with which you see that you do it comfortably and without fear. Only in this way, cutting their nails will not be an ordeal.
It is advisable to use a moisturizing cream or lotion after cutting or filing the nails.
How To Avoid Injuries?
The key, of course, is to take it easy. If the baby sees us nervous, he can also feel the same. If we see that the little one is restless, it is better to leave it for another time.
The little ones move their hands a lot so, if they do not hold on firmly, we can cut the nail excessively or make a small cut. That is why it is important to use suitable utensils for them.
If despite the precautions you make a small cut, make sure it is slight. Wash it with saline solution and compress the wound with a piece of gauze until the bleeding stops. You can also choose to wash it with soap and water daily. Small cuts usually heal quickly. If the wound is larger, swollen, red, or looks bad, see your pediatric nurse.
What You Should Never Do?
You should not put mittens on the baby (except, of course, if you go outside and it is cold). Touch is one of the most important senses for him, and it helps him to establish the bond between mother and child. If we deprive him of that sense through his hands, we are depriving him of knowing the world and knowing us, and feeling protected by skin-to-skin contact.
What is Better To Cut or File Baby’s Nails?
The best thing is that they always wear shorts to try to scratch their faces as little as possible when they are babies and when they are a bit older, in addition to that they can also scratch or accidentally scratch their nursery companions, hand hygiene is It is essential, since putting your hands in your mouth is very common in all young children and remember that many germs accumulate under the nails.
I recommend you file them before cutting them. From my own experience, I will tell you that I started to cut them and there was always the possibility that you would spend a bit cutting them and accidentally hurt her, come on what happened to me, so the solution that I found thanks to a gift and that was great for me, was these two products that I show you below.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful for you and your little ones. Remember to be patient with their nails, as they grow out – it will take time! We also recommend that you always use a nail file instead of scissors when trimming a baby’s nails. It is important not to cut off too much at one time or the remaining part may cause pain and discomfort for them. If you have any questions about how we can help keep those tiny fingers happy and healthy, please feel free to contact us anytime!
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