How to File Baby Nails (LEARN)

It can be hard to put down a pair of baby scissors, but trying to cut nail clippings isn’t exactly the most soothing of experiences. If you do nail cuttings as a habit, be careful when trying to file off your baby’s nails: using an electric clipper may speed up the process, but if it’s your first time, running the razor too close can make your baby’s nail come off more easily, so hold off for now. You can start small and gradually become more advanced with each cut. If you do this in conjunction with practice, you’ll be able to achieve polish polish in no time.

Nail File This isn’t your first time learning how to file your baby’s nails. File your baby’s nails with your thumbs in a downward motion so your hands aren’t in direct contact with them. Choose the cleanest cuticle you can and follow the Nails Grow First chart. Reduce the tension on your baby’s hand and fingers and apply only the right amount of pressure. Then go ahead and file down to start with a smooth finish. Gradually move to a little more pressure and use less of the clip. In future days, start your nail file back up to normal strength. Don’t push the clip against your baby’s knuckles, though. It may move the nail, bumping the nail in the process. Start with one nail for a test run before gradually expanding the file to fit the rest of the nails in your child’s hand. Start off with a clear color and gradually work your way to a dark one. As your baby ages, continue to add polishes. Start small and go for a clean finish. Mark Nails are perfectly formed. If you have a few little bleeding spots, mark the nail with a piece of cotton then trim. Nail files are easily available at any drugstore, and you can easily carry them to and from a doctor’s appointment. When you get a manicure, gently apply a clear or dark polish. This will keep the nail coat shiny. Nail Labels Label nail clippings and place one at the very base of the nail to prevent your baby from rubbing the nail to the wooden file. You should mark a nail from the middle of the baby’s head to the center of the nail, and use a red nail polish to mark the tips of the nails. Labels mark the baby’s length as well as the shape and size of his or her toes. If your child has light to medium blood and colors like blue, you should mark along the tips of the toes. Do a whole group of nails this way and decide on a tip for each child as you go. Try this at home or use some scissors to file off the top nails. Too close? Get the original tip as you write it on your nails and use that over your first slice of nail. Leave a section for the baby to fill in or cross out. This helps him not worry about getting the nail destroyed. What’s under a child’s nails? Baby’s teeth — if your child’s chin hair is long and his or her nails are long — try to reposition your clippers away from the baby’s face. Putting your clippers too close to the face can damage the tissue.