It is best to keep a baby’s fingernails trimmed as short as possible. This will keep babies from scratching themselves, as well as their caregivers. Some parents are uncomfortable trimming a newborn’s nails. These parents will generally place mittens on their infant’s hands to protect the baby from scratching himself or herself.

The best time to trim a baby’s nails is after a bath when nails are the softest. For infants who resist opening their hands, or who may squirm and wiggle, you can trim their nails while they are sleeping.

It may appear that babies have quicker nail growth than adults. However, that is not necessarily true. Babies have tiny fingers and nail growth is simply more noticeable. Some babies will need to have their fingernails trimmed up to twice weekly.

A baby’s toenails will generally grow at a slower rate than his or her fingernails. Toenails are very thin and soft, but as the baby gets older, toenails will strengthen and become harder. It is not necessary to keep a baby’s toenails trimmed as short as his or her fingernails.

Keep your baby’s fingernails and toenails trimmed by using baby nail clippers. However, instead of clipping, many parents choose to file their baby’s nails with an emery board.

Here are some tips for how can you cut your babies nails.

1. First, find a good position that allows you easy access to your baby's hands. This may mean placing your baby in your lap, sitting with him or her in a rocker, or even waiting until your baby's asleep.
2. Hold your baby's palm and finger steady with one hand and cut with the other. You should cut your baby's nails with baby nail scissors, which have rounded tips for safety, or baby clippers. Many baby nail-care kits also come with nail files or emery boards, but if you cut your baby's nails short enough and make sure to keep the nail edges rounded instead of jagged, it isn't necessary to use these. However, if you're hesitant to try baby nail scissors or clippers and your baby will sit long enough to cooperate, you can use an emery board to file the nails down without the risk of giving your little bundle any nicks.
3. If you accidentally draw blood (a common occurrence with fussy, fidgeting babies), don't worry. Using a sterile gauze pad, gently apply pressure to stop the bleeding. But don't put a bandage around the tiny cut - babies will inevitably put their fingers in their mouths and can dislodge the bandage and choke on it.

Nail Trimming Do’s and Don’ts

• Do use baby nail clippers, baby nail trimming scissors, or an emery board.
• Do push down on the pad of her finger. Make sure that none of her skin is showing when you cut the nail. You only want to cut the nail.
• Do cut along the shape of the nail. Round any rough edges with an emery board.
• Do cut toenails straight. Even though ingrown toenails are not likely with a baby, you still want to try to cut them straight across.
• Do not worry if you have an “oopsie”. It happens. If you accidentally cut baby’s finger apply pressure to stop the bleeding. You can use a clean cloth or bandage and apply a little antibiotic ointment after the bleeding stops.
• Do not use regular adult nail clippers. They are very sharp and may cut the tip of baby’s fingers.