When and how to trim a baby's nails?

At birth, a baby's nails are still soft, fragile and adhered to the skin of the fingers. It is advised against cutting them during the infant's first few days of life as this could potentially damage the nail matrix and therefore cause injury by cutting the skin. Furthermore, it is also recommended not to remove any small pieces of skin that may peel off on the sides of the nail, as this could quickly lead to inflammation or infection.

It is generally recommended to start trimming your baby's nails six to eight weeks after their birth. It is only from this point that the nails are strong and hard enough to tolerate trimming. Until you can shorten their nails, you can put on cotton mittens to prevent them from injuring themselves. Trimming your baby's nails is then a task to be done regularly, depending on their growth rate. Therefore, it is advised to check the length of the fingernails every week. As for the toenails, a monthly trim is usually sufficient, as their growth is slower.

Tip : Babies are sometimes born with relatively long nails. In this case, it is possible to file them down with a cardboard nail file to prevent them from scratching themselves.

It's not always easy to trim a baby's nails. The little one often keeps their fists closed and tends to move around a lot. Fortunately, there are tips for safely trimming a baby's nails without causing any harm.

• When should one trim their baby's nails?

  To avoid any risk of injury, it is advisable to trim your baby's nails when they are calm. For instance, this could be during or after feeding. At this moment, the child is relaxed, soothed and satisfied. This reduces the likelihood of them making sudden movements. It is also possible to trim their nails during their nap or when they are feeling drowsy. If you trim your baby's nails after a bath, ensure they are thoroughly dry. This precaution helps to prevent the risk of fungal infections.

• In what position should one be in to trim their baby's nails?

  When trimming your baby's nails, it can be convenient to place them on the changing table. Alternatively, you can sit them on your lap, their back against your stomach. Gently immobilise their hand to prevent movement and spread their fingers to avoid causing injury.

• Which tools should be used to trim a baby's nails?

  During the initial weeks, it is advisable to avoid using a nail clipper as the baby's nails are not yet strong enough. Instead, opt for a cardboard nail file to shorten their nails during this period, to avoid the risk of accidentally cutting their skin. After six to eight weeks, a baby's nails can be cut using round-tipped scissors or a baby nail clipper. There are several models available, each tool having its own advantages. To prevent any infection, we advise against cutting the nails too short. For added safety, it is better to cut the minimum and then file afterwards.

• What to do in case of an accident?

  Despite the best intentions, there are times when the scissors may slip, resulting in nails being cut too short or a small piece of skin being nicked. After comforting the baby with a cuddle, it is crucial to disinfect the skin with an antiseptic and leave the wound exposed to the air. If it does not heal after a few days or if you notice any redness or swelling, do not hesitate to consult your general practitioner.

• NIMET K. & BIRSEN BILGEN S. Cultural Aspect of Society: Traditional Practices of Mother and Baby Care during the Post-Partum Period and Relevant Examples from Around the World. Current Paediatrics (2015).