Many babies are born with long nails and this is totally normal since since they were formed they have not stopped growing. The only downside is that newborns usually they tend to take their hands to the face and as their movements are still uncoordinated, they can scratch and in some cases repeatedly. Because their skin is so sensitive and fine, any scratch leaves a mark on them.
We parents usually, with our best intention, fix it by putting mittens on them as soon as they are born. It has been shown that babies need to develop touch in their hands and know the world through them so mittens have begun to be discouraged by many midwives in many childbirth classes. If your baby is born with somewhat long nails and you feel more comfortable cutting them, these tips may help you:
- Use small round-tipped scissors; They are more recommended than nail clippers since they allow us to maneuver better and have more precision in the cut.
- Cut them while you sleep; you will avoid the risk of cutting the skin by a movement that could make.
- Although babies have very soft nails, it may be easier for you to manage after bathing.
- Don't keep them too short as you can cut through the skin underneath. A trick to avoid this is to separate the nail a little from the skin, gently squeezing the fingertip of the baby.
- Take your time, and if you don't dare, ask someone to teach you how to do it to gain confidence. You will see that it is easier than it seems.
With these tips you will surely succeed in your intention to cut your baby's nails short. As they get older it will become more and more difficult because they will not stop moving and they will not allow their hand to be immobilized, so the trick of cutting them while they sleep will be your best ally.