How Should I Trim My Newborn’s Nails? A Pediatrician Explains
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Newborn fingernails can grow surprisingly quickly and may need trimming once or even twice a week during the early weeks. A soft emery board, baby nail clippers, or blunt-nosed baby scissors can all be used.
Many parents find it easiest to trim their baby's nails while the baby is sleeping or lying very still. Gently press the fingertip skin away from the nail before clipping, and smooth any sharp edges afterward.
- Newborn fingernails grow quickly and can easily scratch delicate skin.
- A soft nail file is a simple option, especially for very tiny nails.
- Baby nail clippers or blunt-nosed scissors can also be used carefully.
- Trimming while your baby sleeps can make the job easier.
- Gently push the fingertip skin away from the nail before clipping.
- Do not bite or peel your baby's nails because this can increase infection risk.
- Toenails usually grow much more slowly than fingernails.
One of the small surprises of having a newborn is discovering just how sharp those tiny fingernails can be.
Newborns have very little control over their hands, so a long or jagged nail can quickly leave scratches across the baby's face. The obvious solution—trimming the nails—can make many new parents nervous because the fingers are so small.
Fortunately, newborn nail care is usually quite simple once you know how to do it safely.
Why Do Newborn Nails Grow So Quickly?
Fingernails grow continuously, and newborn fingernails can seem especially fast-growing because even a small amount of growth creates a noticeable sharp edge on such tiny fingers.
During the early weeks, some babies may need their fingernails trimmed as often as twice a week.
Toenails generally grow much more slowly and usually need much less frequent trimming.
When Can I Start Trimming My Newborn's Nails?
You can begin caring for your baby's nails whenever they become long or sharp enough to scratch.
There is no need to wait for a particular age.
If you are uncomfortable using clippers on very tiny newborn fingers, a soft emery board can be a good way to smooth sharp edges until you feel more confident.
What Is the Safest Way to Trim Newborn Nails?
Choose a time when your baby is calm and still. Many parents find that nail trimming is easiest while the baby is asleep.
Hold the baby's finger securely but gently. Press the soft skin of the fingertip slightly downward and away from the nail so that you can clearly see where the nail ends.
Carefully trim the excess nail with baby nail clippers or blunt-nosed baby scissors. A soft emery board can then be used to smooth any sharp or rough edges.
- Choose a time when your baby is calm or asleep.
- Make sure you have good lighting.
- Hold one finger gently but securely.
- Push the fingertip skin away from the nail.
- Trim only the portion of nail extending beyond the fingertip.
- Smooth sharp corners with a soft emery board.
- Stop if your baby begins moving too much and try again later.
Should I Use Nail Clippers, Scissors, or a Nail File?
Any of these can work.
A soft emery board gives parents excellent control and eliminates the possibility of accidentally clipping the skin, although filing every nail can take a little longer.
Baby nail clippers and blunt-nosed scissors are also appropriate when used carefully.
The best choice is usually the tool that allows you to work slowly, comfortably, and with good visibility.
Should I Cut the Nails Straight Across or Rounded?
Fingernails can be gently trimmed following their natural curve. The goal is not to cut them extremely short, but to remove the sharp portion extending beyond the fingertip.
Toenails are generally trimmed more straight across and do not need to be kept as short as fingernails.
Newborn toenails are also very soft and may curve around the toe, sometimes giving the appearance of an ingrown nail even when the nail is not actually growing into the skin.
Should I Bite or Peel My Baby's Nails?
No.
It may seem easier to bite off a tiny nail than use clippers, but the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against this approach.
Biting or peeling can tear the nail unpredictably and can introduce germs from an adult's mouth to the baby's finger. In particular, herpes simplex virus can cause an infection of the finger known as herpetic whitlow.
Filing or carefully clipping the nails is safer.
What If I Accidentally Cut My Baby's Finger?
This happens to many careful parents.
If you accidentally nick the fingertip, apply gentle direct pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth until the bleeding stops.
Keep the area clean afterward and watch it as it heals.
Contact your pediatrician if bleeding does not stop with direct pressure, the cut appears deep, or the area later becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, or develops drainage.
Newborn nail trimming is one of those parenting jobs that feels much more intimidating the first time than the tenth.
There is no reason to rush. Good light, a sleeping baby, and a soft nail file are often the easiest combination when you're first getting comfortable with those tiny fingers.
Does My Baby Need Mittens to Prevent Scratches?
Usually not.
Mittens can temporarily prevent scratches, but good nail care generally makes them unnecessary. Babies also benefit from having opportunities to move and explore with their hands uncovered.
If you do use mittens temporarily, make sure they fit securely and cannot come loose near your baby's face.
What About My Newborn's Toenails?
Toenails usually grow considerably more slowly than fingernails.
They may need trimming only once or twice a month.
Newborn toenails are also extremely soft and flexible. They can curve around the toe and look almost ingrown without actually causing a problem.
Redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage, or increasingly inflamed skin around the nail should be evaluated.
When Should I Call My Pediatrician?
Contact your pediatrician if:
- The skin surrounding a nail becomes increasingly red or swollen.
- There is pus or drainage around the nail.
- The finger or toe appears painful or unusually tender.
- A nail injury involves a deep cut.
- Bleeding continues despite steady direct pressure.
- You are concerned that a nail may truly be growing into the surrounding skin.
When Does a Nail Problem Need More Urgent Attention?
- Bleeding is significant or will not stop with direct pressure.
- A cut is deep or gaping.
- Redness or swelling is rapidly spreading from the nail area.
- Your newborn appears ill or unusually difficult to awaken.
- Your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher during the first 3 months of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I trim my newborn's fingernails?
As often as needed to keep them short and smooth. During the early weeks, some babies may need their fingernails trimmed as often as twice a week.
Can I trim my baby's nails while they are sleeping?
Yes. In fact, many parents find this the easiest time because the baby's hands are much less likely to move suddenly.
Can I just file my newborn's nails?
Yes. A soft emery board is an appropriate option and can be especially useful when the nails and fingers are extremely small.
Why are my baby's nails so sharp?
Newborn fingernails grow quickly, and even a tiny irregular edge can feel surprisingly sharp. Regular trimming or filing helps prevent facial scratches.
Do newborn toenails need to be cut?
Yes, but much less frequently than fingernails. They often need trimming only once or twice a month.
My baby's toenail looks ingrown. Should I worry?
Newborn toenails are very soft and can curve around the toe, making them look ingrown when they are not. Redness, swelling, hard or inflamed surrounding skin, tenderness, or drainage deserves medical evaluation.
The safest nail-trimming technique is usually the one that gives you the most control.
If clippers make you nervous, start with a soft nail file. There is no prize for trimming ten newborn fingernails in one sitting—you can always finish the rest later.
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Join the Parent Club →References & Medical Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Nailing It: How to Trim Your Baby's Fingernails
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Nail Care: Fingers and Toes
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Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your child's pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional. Every baby and clinical situation is different. Contact your pediatrician if the skin around a nail becomes red, swollen, painful, or develops drainage; if a nail injury causes persistent bleeding or a deep cut; or whenever you are concerned about your newborn's health. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby 3 months old or younger requires prompt medical evaluation.