It is undoubtedly one of the images we have of the newborn. His hands were protected with small gloves (or in some cases socks) to avoid possible scratches on his face due to his long nails. To avoid this, it is essential to cut the nails whenever they exceed the tips of the fingers.
But how should they be cut? It will surely be one of the most repeated questions by new parents. Keep reading because today we tell you the tips to do it without causing an anxiety crisis in parents and children.
The first thing we should know is that babies’ nails are fragile and brittle when they are born. That is, they are easy to break and it is not until the third week that they begin to become more resistant. And another fundamental aspect is that when cutting them, care must be taken not to make a wound since they are very close to the skin.
The nails of newborn babies are characterized by being fragile and brittle, so their care during the first weeks is essential to avoid possible injuries.
Special scissors or nail clippers? The million-dollar question. The best thing, as experts recommend, is “to use blunt-ended scissors, since babies’ nails are very close to the skin. Only the part that protrudes from the finger should be cut, ”
When it comes to cutting the nails, it is advisable to “place the baby on a firm surface, with good lighting and easy access to his little hands and feet. It must be done carefully, taking advantage of a moment when the newborn is relaxed. To do this, we will firmly hold the baby’s finger between our index finger and thumb. The cut should never be “flush”, but should be above the skin. It is preferable to leave the corners square, to prevent the appearance of ingrown nails. Lastly, we can polish the edge of the nail, if there is any prick left, with the help of a file,” says the nurse.
If you are a father or a mother and you are afraid of cutting your newborn child’s nails for fear of dying trying, Patricia Jiménez Peña gives us some tips to know when is the perfect time to do it.
“It is best to do it at a time when the baby is relaxed and calm and to do it gently and decisively. It is best to cut them square, avoiding the flush of the skin.
Regarding the use of files, its use is recommended especially during the first weeks, but only if the parents do not feel safe doing it with scissors.
MITTS TO AVOID SCRATCHES?
It is one of the most common uses when babies are born, the use of mittens to protect their faces from possible scratches. But what is the truth in it? It is advisable?
According to experts, “it is not recommended, since the skin is the most sensitive organ of our body and touch is the first sense that develops. Most of the tactile receptors in the baby are in their hands and around their mouth, so they make the very common gesture of sucking their fist because it allows them to calm down. In addition, the baby needs to touch the mother’s breast while she feeds, this allows him to stimulate the oxytocin reflex that will help the milk to come out”.
