How to cut the nails of a newborn baby

The nails of babies begin to grow even in the womb at the age of 8–9 months, so some crumbs are born with long claws. Newborns are put on handles with special mittens that prevent babies from scratching themselves or their mother during feeding. Mittens are used in the first weeks when the baby's nails are too thin, so they can not be cut. But they are becoming stronger and thicker, and now it comes time to make the baby's first manicure.

Tools for a newborn

Scissors and tweezers with which mom cuts the cuticle for herself and dad are not suitable for child care. Usually they have pointed ends that can hurt the baby. And if the whole family uses the tool, other microbes and dirt particles remain on the blades, and in some cases also a fungus.The newborn's immune system is too weak to withstand infections and bacteria, and a standard hygiene procedure can result in inflammation.

The baby should have its own scissors with rounded ends. The tool is designed for babies, because they do not lie quietly, pull hands and legs, break out, and mother can accidentally poke a baby in a finger or a palm. But nothing terrible will happen, because the manufacturer has taken care of the safety of its product.

It is important that the scissors are sharp. Dull blades lead to the separation of the nail plate, because of which an ugly and sloppy manicure is formed in the matured child. Tweezers should be kept for half year old babies. Trimming nails in newborns is easier with special scissors.

When and how to cut nails

The nail plate becomes strong and dense for 3-5 weeks after the baby is born. Mom herself will see that the baby’s claws have hardened and changed color a little. Cut nails should be in a sterile environment:

1. Infant to put on a clean proglazhennuyu diaper.Wash and wipe it thoroughly.
2. Mom should use both soap and antibacterial agent.
3. Treat scissors or tongs with alcohol, peroxide or antiseptic.
4. Keep cotton swabs or a sterile bandage on hand. Put a bottle of furatsilinom, peroxide or a three percent alcohol solution on the table.

Good mood

Hygiene procedures should be carried out when the baby is cheerful and calm. This happens in three cases:

• when the baby has eaten well, he is not disturbed by colic, but the diaper is clean;
• after bathing in warm water and gentle massage;
• when the baby is sleeping.

Experienced mothers prefer to cut the nails of a sleepy newborn, because the kids do not toss and scare the scissors. On the other hand, one careless movement can wake the baby, and he had to be rocked for 30 minutes or more.

To prevent the awake baby from jerking abruptly with the handle or leg, it is recommended to turn the baby on the stomach. Scissors to choose with bright handles that will interest and attract the attention of the child. The whole process should be turned into a fun game, entertaining the newborn with rattles and songs. Then he will not be frightened and break free.

How to do everything quickly and safely

1. The palm or heel of the baby should be securely fixed in your hand. You can ask your father or grandmother to hold the extremity of the newborn while the mother is wielding scissors.
2. Grab the nail plate with your index finger and thumb.
3. Pull off the skin, so as not to accidentally cut off the excess.
4. One or several movements cut the nail, leaving 1–2 mm. If you remove the entire protruding part, the child will be uncomfortable and painful.
5. The nails on the handles should be oval in shape with a slightly elongated middle. On their feet they are made straight to avoid ingrown corners.

Along with the nails, the barbs are also cut. Pieces of skin rub against clothes and cause discomfort, because of which the newborn is capricious and crying.

Tip: If your baby has an ingrown nail on the arm or leg, it should be shown to the pediatric surgeon. You can not try to fix the situation yourself. You can carry the infection, and the skin around the nail and under it inflamed.

Emergency measures

Mothers who carry out the procedure for the first time, often cut off a little skin.There is nothing wrong with that, and if there is blood on your finger, there is no need to panic. Not for nothing is antiseptic and fleece on hand.

Wipe the blood, treat the wound with an alcohol solution or furatsilinom. Blow, kiss - and ready. The cut will quickly tighten without leaving a mark.

In the children's manicure sets there is also a nail file intended for grinding the nails on the hands. It is recommended to use the accessory once every 1-3 months. If you file your nails too often, they will begin to exfoliate and become very weak and brittle.

Repeat the hygiene procedure should be weekly. For some babies, nails grow back faster, while for others after 8–14 days. Pediatricians recommend to look closely and decide for themselves when it is time to trim the excess.

It is not difficult to handle scissors, and if you are afraid to approach a child without practice, you can experiment with her husband or grandmother. After such lessons, the mother will become a real master who can make the baby a perfect manicure in minutes.

Video: how to cut your nails newborn (baby)