Home >  Information A-Z >  All Kids Information Articles >  Fingernail Clippping

Fingernail Clipping:

One of the many things that a parent of a newborn needs to do is cut the baby's fingernails very often. Newborn fingernails grow extremely fast, so this is something that needs to be done quite often, usually at least once a week. Otherwise, they will scratch themselves in their sleep.

There are a couple of kinds of fingernail clippers that parents can use on newborns. One of these is the scissor-shaped clippers, and the other is the miniature fingernail clippers (they look identical to adult clippers). The best one to use when they are first born is the scissor kind. These are curved, and quite dull, so there is less risk in hurting the baby's fingers. They will only work for a while, though, and you will soon have to switch to the miniature regular clippers. The scissors only work on the flimsiest of fingernails, which means that as your newborn gets older, and their nails get thicker, they begin to work less and less as well.
Parents will also learn rather quickly how difficult it is to cut the fingernails of a person who doesn't yet understand (nor follow) the phrase "Please keep your hand still while I do this."

Instead, you have to somehow manage cut the nails without cutting their fingers without their cooperation. Many people like to clip their babies' fingernails while they are asleep, because this way they don't have to worry about the baby jerking their hand away while the nails are being cut, which can result in cut fingers. The only bad thing about doing this is that you may wake the baby up. In order to avoid waking up a sleeping child too early due to cutting their nails is to wait until they have been asleep for almost the entire length of their average nap. This way, at least if you wake them up they got most of their nap out, and won't be quite as cranky because of being woken up early. The bad part about it, though, is that if they wake up while you are in the middle of it, you may not get to finish.

Another option is one that not many parents think of, but it can work well for many people. From the time your baby is first born and you are cutting their fingernails, sing them a certain song. This can be any song, but make sure that the only time you sing this particular song is during fingernail cutting time. This way, from the time your baby is brought home from the hospital, he will associate that one song with getting his fingernails trimmed.

Some moms who have tried this say that it works great, and that by the time their baby is six or seven months old, all they have to do is begin singing that song, and the baby will hold up his feet and hands to be clipped.
The most important part is to do it however is the safest and easiest for you and your child. Whatever way you choose, their fingernails will be cut, and it will get easier as they get older and they actually will be still the entire time.

Copyright 2010. All educational materials are the sole property of Kid First Internet and are available for the benefit of our parents. Duplication or use of any material requires the express consent of Kids First Internet.

Click Here to Browse Nail Clippers

Browse information articles by category:

Babies
Toddlers
Kids
Health and Safety
Nutrition and Feeding
Bathing
Behavior and Discipline
Diapers and Potty Training
Playtime activities and toys
Clothing
Napping and Nighttime

View All Articles

Kids Bedding Information Center:

Nursery and Crib Safety
Allergy Information
Kids Bedding Gift Giving
Bedding Themes
Crib and Nursery Sizes
Typical Prices
Bedding Production
Cleaning
Materials and Fabrics
Boys Bedding and Girls Bedding

Kids and Baby Bedding Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kids bedding brands? A look at some of the best kids bedding sets.

What comes in the different crib and nursery sets? Know exactly what you are ordering - before you order.

How do I choose the perfect kids bedding gift? Here are three simple rules for picking out a wonderful kids bedding or baby bedding set!

How can I create a safe nursery? A short article on safety and kids bedding and baby bedding.

How do I clean my kids bedding? Tips and directions to make your kids bedding set last forever.

How long does it take for my kids bedding purchase to arrive? Read about why it is important to order kids bedding several weeks in advance.

Why buy kids bedding or baby bedding online? Learn why we can offer the best prices on kids bedding.