Cutting your baby’s nails

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

You can trim or file your baby’s nails after their bath, when they’re softened by the water, or when they’re sleeping. Try to cut their 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.