One of the tips that we usually give to recent parents is that we do not cut the nails of the newborn baby. But what is this recommendation based on? Is it true that we can't cut the baby's nails? It seems that there is no basis to make such a ban, although there are certain false popular beliefs, since the nails will grow less strongly to barbarities as the baby will be stuttered.
In any case, it would be more than anything a matter of prudence, because babies have very soft nails at birth, and uncontrolled movement of the hands could make the operation of cutting the nails more difficult. But if the baby is calm or sleeps, there is no reason to fear trimming the nails in case it is necessary, which is not always, because normally at birth the nails do not protrude from the edge of the finger.
However, some babies are born with long fingernails, especially if they have been delayed from the expected date of delivery. This can mean that, in their arm movements, they end up scratching their faces. That is why it is recommended to take small baby mittens to the hospital, to avoid those small wounds, which can happen even when the nails are well cut.
To cut the baby's nails we must take into account that they are very soft and very close to the finger. Maneuvering to perform the operation on such tiny members is not difficult, but requires delicacy and good pulse.
Babies leave a liquid environment and their entire body is softened, especially nails. We must take care of them and keep them clean to avoid risk of infection in case of scratch. To cut them, you must use scissors or special nail clippers for babies, small, with rounded tips. And take special care that there are no tips or irregularities that can get stuck in the skin of the finger when the nail grows again.
At the moment it is not necessary to file them, for this we will wait until they are somewhat older, when the nails are harder and must be matched so that they do not involve danger. The best time to cut the nails will depend on each baby, but in general it is about seeking your peace of mind.
After the bath, when they are relaxed, it can be a good time, in addition the nails soften more. It is also a good time when they are asleep and if we are stealthy they will not surprise us with unexpected movements. Although, as they grow, it is best to incorporate this hygiene practice into their habits so that they see it as natural and have no fears.
After cutting the fingernails, it is convenient to pass a gauze between the fingers or check the hands and clothes so that there is no loose nail that can damage the baby by digging into the body.
There are mothers who, when the baby is newborn, prefer cut the baby's nails by biting them themselves, because they consider that in this way, with their mouths, they have greater control of movements and avoid biting the skin of the finger by mistake. This practice doesn't give me much confidence, maybe because I haven't had problems using nail clippers, but I don't think it's harmful. Moreover, it seems to me that it must be an instinctive practice that our distant ancestors might use naturally, when there were no other better tools.
Regarding the frequency of nail cutting, it will depend on the growth rate of each baby, but in general we can talk about once a week in the case of the hands and once a month in the case of the feet, because the nails of The lower extremities grow more slowly.
One last tip: we must observe the color of the nails to detect possible infections or that the nail has stuck in the skin. The normal color is pink and the small white semicircle is usually perceived at its base. If we detect any anomaly, we must go to the pediatrician.
We have mainly dealt with the hands, because it is these nails that grow faster and first need to be cut. But the same recommendations are valid for toenails, which will begin to be cut later and less frequently as we have indicated.
