Babies usually have fingernails from the day they are born. They can be long at birth.
How to trim your baby's nails
Use baby scissors to trim your baby's nails, they’re easier to use and most pharmacists have them. Do not use blunt scissors.
- Hold the finger you plan to start working on first between your forefinger and thumb.
- Use the rest of your hand to enclose the rest of your baby’s hand.
- Gently push back the fingertip below the nail, to make space for the scissors - this avoids nipping the skin.
- Repeat with each finger and thumb until all the nails are cut.
It's easy to cut your baby’s skin accidentally when cutting their nails. If it happens, try not to worry. Gently press a clean towel or gauze against the cut until the bleeding stops.
Newborn babies usually have very soft nails in the first few days after birth. It is often possible to use your fingers to gently peel off the ends of their nails, instead of using scissors.
If you are nervous
You might feel nervous about it, but you’ll need to trim their nails so your baby does not scratch their face.
Ask someone to hold your baby's hand while you cut their nails, if it helps.
You can try trimming your baby's nails when they are asleep. Your baby may wake up while you do it.
