Nail Care for Babies Washington DC

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Babies enter this world with quite long nails so from dayone you're faced with this daunting task. Nails continue to growrapidly all throughout childhood, so it's a good to establish apositive routine and become skilled in this task. You will find thatyour babies nails need frequent trimming as they grow very quickly.Babies have little control over their arms and they can accidentallyscratch themselves if nails aren't trimmed.

Equipment:

• One pair of baby nail clippers or scissors. These are specially designed for using on babies. They are small and have rounded edges which make it safer and easier to use on delicate baby nails
• Fairly smooth emery board (optional)

Tips on how to cut nails

• Firstly, take a deep breath and relax. It can be a bit scary at first because we all worry about cutting fingers instead of nails.
• Place your newborn on your lap with her head snuggled into your chest and with her facing away from you. Using your thumb and forefinger to hold your baby's finger; gently position the baby scissors or clippers under the nail and check to see if it is nail and not skin before you cut. Start with trimming off tiny pieces until you feel confident about doing it.
• For fingernails cut along the curve, for toenails cut in a straight line.
• If you are too nervous or your baby is very wriggly, you could try and trim the nails while your baby is asleep or just after a feed when she is feeling drowsy. Nails are softer after a bath.
• Remember to trim your baby's toenails as well.
• If you are uncomfortable using scissors or clippers,  you could use a fairly smooth emery board and try to very gently file down the rough pieces - (this takes patience).
• Praise your baby when you are finished. And give yourself a pat on the back for finishing a very tricky task!

What if I do cut my baby's finger?

Unfortunately most of us parents have done this at some time.  If youdo accidentally cut your baby's finger, apply gentle pressure with apiece of clean gauze or tissue until the bleeding stops and give yourbaby a big cuddle. Do not put a bandaid on your baby's finger in caseit comes off in your baby's mouth.

Read article at SixtySecondParent.com

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