Cutting your baby’s nails

During the first week of life, your baby’s nails are stuck to the skin. Don’t try to cut them because you could hurt him. The tips of the nails will come away from the skin after a few days. When his fingernails are long enough for him to scratch himself, they will need to be trimmed or gently filed.

You can trim or file your baby’s nails after his bath, when they’re softened by the water, or when he’s sleeping. Try to cut his toenails straight across with small scissors or a nail clipper. This will prevent the nails from piercing the skin (becoming what are known as ingrown toenails). However, it’s better to trim fingernails around the curve of the finger to prevent scratches.

Nails grow quickly, so you will need to trim or file them regularly.