ou’ll be amazed about how fast your little one’s nails will grow. Trimming them may seem a bit tricky, but with a little skill, patience, and precision, it can easily be done.

In the very beginning, you might only need an emery board. (Yes, they make baby-sized emery boards!) Some newborn’s nails are so soft that a clipper or scissors is usually not necessary. However, others have nails that are too thin for an emery board. Either way, once you’re ready to move on to the heavy machinery, just follow these simple tips.

In the beginning, you may want to try clipping them while baby is sleeping (if they’re a good sleeper) or right after a bath when the nails are nice and soft.

Here’s how:

1. Choose clippers or scissors specifically designed for babies  – they usually have a curved cutting edge.
2. Sit baby on lap facing away from you and talk though each step to help keep him or her calm; sing if you need to soothe him or her or have someone try to distract the baby.
3. Take one finger firmly in your hand - press down flesh under the nail to make the nail stick out a bit - and gently slide in the clipper (careful not to get too close or to grab any of the flesh).
4. Trim the white part of the nail, making a rounded edge.
5. Smooth out any sharp or ragged edges with an emery board – this may be tricky at first since a baby’s nail is so thin.

How often should I trim my baby's nails?

Try to trim them every 3-4 days. And don’t worry… if you clip a part of the skin, simply rinse under water and apply pressure with a cloth to the cut until the bleeding stops (and be sure to give lots of kisses).

If you’re too nervous to pick up those clippers at first, here’s a trim tip: Gently peel them off yourself (they are so thin during the first several weeks) or just nibble them off!

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