The first few days after birth are filled with so much emotion and excitement, but it’s also time to head out of the hospital and into the world! Most babies aren’t able to hold it together when they’ve just left the comfort of your womb, and your little one needs to start grooming himself quickly so he doesn’t grow up with unhygienic fingernails. To lessen the trauma your firstborn may experience, take the simple step of clipping them up.
1. Set Aside Shorter Shorter Sticks
Many parents adjust to the newborn lifestyle, which can include completely different habits. Sometimes, your baby will just need a little better hand-eye coordination to grab those larger scissors, while other times, you’ll be tossing tiny willies with zero technique. In a pinch, give your mini hands a decent pair of thumb scissors. Once your child is past bottle-feeding, though, if the baby is too young to hold them long, look for a shorter-bladed nail clipper.
2. Get Every Point Done One at a Time
Most of these appointments are going to happen at the same time, so it’s a good idea to do all of them at one time. Give your baby some extra time to clean up so he won’t step on anything that may hurt him and overstay his welcome. No one wants to give your little one a painful attitude.
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3. Give Your Baby Some Time to Dry
Just because you’re using something as delicate as a baby’s little nails doesn’t mean they don’t require extra care. Once he is out of the hospital, either over at your house or by giving him a bath, he can get some much-needed moisture. Limit your infant’s exposure to water for the first week to 10 days after birth, since bacteria can cause temporary pain. Just keep your baby’s nails clean as well so you’ll have to use baby wipes when using the bathroom.
4. Use Baby Oil
As soon as your baby begins self-grooming, he’ll need a little extra lubrication when clamping on his toenails. Look for baby oil that’s not too oil-based and that won’t dry his hands out too quickly. Plus, baby oil helps your baby’s hands to handle his fingers later on and will make it much easier for you to do your own manicures later on when he’s a bit more self-sufficient.
5. Care for Nails Before Retraction
You’re probably going to do a lot of gluing and trimming during baby development, so keeping it cool can be of paramount importance. Nail cleanings are an important part of good upkeep, and make sure to make your baby’s nail polish last as long as possible as the color will last longer, too. In most situations, it’s a good idea to start sharpening your baby’s nails in a dry area so that your hands don’t get too warm and blister on the counter. But don’t always be afraid to use baby nail clippers to separate the nail plate from the ring.
6. Have Your Baby Using Nail Clippers at the Same Time
Not all nail clippers can handle nails the same size, so make sure your baby uses the same nail clippers at the same time so the tool won’t slip or give you a nasty pain.
7. Make Sure Your Child Is Properly Postured
While it is okay to put your baby in a chair, it’s best to use a padded chair so that you don’t leave your child hunched over or holding her head back in pain. Also, make sure you have access to your baby’s stroller and bed so you can hold him or nurse. And if you’re breastfeeding, breastfeed your baby from your shoulder as close to him as possible to help not cause a slippery finger indentation.
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