How To Keep Babies Healthy? Trim Their Nails

Practicing good hygiene is a sure way of keeping your baby away from germs. Clipping their nails, in case of overgrowth, rules out the possibility of germs accumulating under the crevices. Strangely, despite being an essential part of baby grooming, nail-trimming is often ignored or overlooked. But, it's an effective way to stop germs from entering the baby's mouth through the fingers.

What should you know about your baby's nails? 

You should be extra careful while clipping a baby's fingernails. Their nails are soft and extremely flexible and require the utmost care. If not careful, you may cut off the skin, so take your time and don’t cut their nails in a hurry. You would be well-advised to keep an eye out for illness-causing bacteria that tend to accumulate under the fingernails. Keeping their nails short will not allow bacteria to accumulate, protecting them from diseases. 

How often should you cut your baby’s nails? 

Babies have fast-growing fingernails. So ideally, you should trim them every week. The toenails, however, take longer to grow and can be trimmed once a month. Apart from that, you should also know how short to cut a baby's nails. It's best if you cut the nail along the contours of the finger. 

How to cut your baby’s nails without hurting their fingertips: 

Before cutting your baby’s nails, make sure you have the proper tools. Else, you could end up hurting your baby’s fingertips.

Here are the tools you will need:

• A pair of baby nail scissors
• A pair of baby nail clippers
• A disposable trash bag
• Nail files
• Baby mittens
• Socks
• Anti-biotic cream

Things you should keep in mind

Here are a few pointers you need to follow while trimming your baby's nails.

• The best time to trim nails is when your baby is asleep. This way, you can avoid accidents that might occur from the baby flinching. Also, remember to do it in a brightly lit room.
• It's normal for the toenail to curve towards the concourse of the toe. This happens because the baby's nails are incredibly flexible.
• Dip their fingers and toes in lukewarm water to further soften the nails. 
• Remember to file their nails afterward.

Alternatives to nail-clipping you can try 

If clipping your baby's nails seems like a daunting task, there are other alternatives you can try. You can choose to cut their nails some other way. Here are a few options for you to consider.

• Filing: If their nails are short enough, you can try filing it. But, before attempting this process, you should know that it's an intensive task. 
• Consult a doctor: You can always discuss alternative methods with your doctors and choose one that works for you.

What to do in case of an accidental nip of the skin 

Even if you are overly cautious, you could accidentally end up nipping the skin. If you find yourself in such a scenario, do not panic and follow the steps mentioned below.

• Clean the wound with room temperature water.
• Press down gently on the wound till the bleeding stops. 
• Apply antiseptic cream on the wound.

Remember, an intensive grooming ritual will keep your baby healthy.