Many first-time parents find it impossible, difficult and even a surgeon's task, but in reality cut baby's nails It does not require higher education. It is true that it can take us some attempts to find the "trick", but with patience and gentleness it is solved and we will be experts in manicure and pedicure of the baby. Here we give you some keys so that everything goes well, a guide to cut the baby's nails and not die trying.
But, before starting, remember that nothing happens when you cut the nails of the newborn, there are myths and false beliefs about this moment, totally unfounded (how curious, the same thing happens about cutting your hair). Moreover, if you don't cut your child's nails, there will come a time when he can get hurt.
Choose a time when the baby is calm. The worst thing we can do is try to cut his nails if he is moving a lot or if he cries (see the photo below), so if we want everything to flow safely, it is better to wait for the child to calm down. That can be at different times for each one, such as after the bath or even while they sleep.
If the baby is not still sitting, cut your nails while lying on your back and securely on a firm surface and where you easily access your two little hands and / or feet.
If the baby is sitting, keep it on your legs with your back resting on you, in a secure and firm position where it is surrounded by one of your arms, which will keep the other arm of the baby held to prevent it from giving a swipe and end up taking the little hand to which we cut the nails while using your free hand you use the scissors or nail clippers.
Hold the finger of the nail that you are going to cut between your index and the thumb to keep it still.
Do not lengthen the process of nail cutting as the baby becomes nervous and will begin to move more, to cry ... The key is to act with a mixture of decision, firmness and delicacy.
Use special scissors or nail clippers for babies, clean and dry. The baby scissors are small and have a rounded tip and the nail clippers are tiny too, to fit the child's nail.
Cut the nail flush with the finger, without getting too close to the skin. It is preferable to cut in square than in round, although you can give a slight curve to the ends so that there are no spikes.
If you stay some piquito in some nail, better not to hurry with the scissors and use a small file.
Look at the color of the nails to detect possible infections (if the usual pink color is altered) or that the nail has stuck in the skin, both in the hands and feet.
Some tricks such as cutting the baby's nails after the bath, after a massage, asleep or accompanied by relaxing music, can work to achieve that moment of tranquility. If there are two people to carry out this "operation", it will also be easier, since one can act as a "seat belt" or as a children's entertainer so that the child stays entertained.
But we are not always lucky enough to have this logistical support, so many times we will have to fix them alone. And it's not that hard, if we continue the guide to cut the baby's nails and not die trying. The key is to choose the right moment and not lengthen it too much, acting decisively and delicately.
Photos | Feggi Art and Gatanass on Flickr-CC
In Babies and more | Have you recently checked your children's toenails ?, Newborn care: how to cut baby's nails
