Nail care for newborns

Answer 1

Information

Newborn fingernails and toenails are usually soft and flexible, but can cause injuries to the infant. Newborn infants do not yet have control of their arm, hand, finger, leg, or foot movements, and may inadvertently claw at their face. Nails that are ragged or extend beyond the tip of the finger can cause scratches to the face and eyes.

Clean the baby's hands, feet, and nails during regular bathing. Use of a nail file or emery board is the safest method to shorten and smooth the nails. However, it can be time-consuming.

A second alternative is to trim nails carefully with baby nail scissors that have blunt rounded tips or baby nail clippers. (Do NOT use adult-sized nail clippers -- you may accidentally clip the tip of the baby's finger or toe instead of the nail.)

Use a soft emery board to keep the nails smooth and prevent injuries. Since baby's nails grow pretty quickly, you may have to cut the fingernails at least once a week. You may only need to cut the toenails a couple of times per month.

Answer 2

Information

Newborn fingernails and toenails are usually soft and flexible. However, if they are ragged or too long, they can hurt the baby or others. It is important to keep your baby's nails clean and trimmed. Newborns do not yet have control of their movements. They may scratch or claw at their face.

• Clean the baby's hands, feet, and nails during regular bathing.
• Use a nail file or emery board to shorten and smooth the nails. This is the safest method.
• Another option is to trim nails carefully with baby nail scissors that have blunt rounded tips or baby nail clippers. Do NOT use adult-sized nail clippers. You could clip the tip of the baby's finger or toe instead of the nail.

Since baby's nails grow pretty quickly, you may have to cut the fingernails at least once a week. You may only need to cut the toenails a couple of times per month.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 11/07/2011

Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.