Why Should You Cut Your Little One’s Nails on a Regular Basis?

Even though the thought of cutting your little one’s nails can be scary, it is something that needs to be done on a regular basis. Neat and trimmed nails show that the baby is well-groomed and cared for. Moreover, newborn babies tend to scratch themselves often. Trimmed nails will help reduce the risk of scratching and scaring your baby's cute little face and will also reduce their risk of infections.

Why should you cut your baby’s nails regularly?

The primary reasons why you need to cut your little munchkin's nails are as follows:

• Baby’s nails grow very fast and may need to be trimmed as often as twice a week.
• If you do not cut your baby’s nails often enough, they will scratch themselves.
• Longer nails snag in baby clothing making them rough and uneven. This increases the risk of babies hurting themselves with their nails.
• Your baby can also hurt you with their long nails, especially while breastfeeding.
• Longer nails are more prone to attracting germs and bacteria. Regular cutting of nails helps keep these under control.

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How to cut your baby’s nails?

Follow these steps to cut your baby’s nails:

• Ensure that the baby is relaxed. This happens usually after the baby has eaten or when the baby is asleep.
• Sit by a window-side so that there is ample light to see well.
• Opt for a nail cutter specially designed for a newborn. It should have a magnifier like the Mylo Essentials gentle nail cutter for babies.
• Place the stainless steel blades perpendicular to your baby’s nails. Now, rotate the magnifier 180 degrees and adjust it so that you can see the nails clearly.
• Push the finger pad away from the nail and gentle cut the nails.

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What to keep in mind?

It’s easy to trim your baby’s nails. However, do keep in mind the following:

• Do not cut the nails too deep as it would hurt your little one’s fingers.
• Cut the nails straight. Do not try to curve them at the corners.
• Ensure that you purchase a nail cutter that is easy to handle and use. Try the Mylo Essentials gentle nail cutter for babies. Even though it is scaled to trim tiny nails, its easy-grip handle and smooth round edges make it easy for an adult to handle.
• Cutting your baby's nails when they are drowsy or distracted may make the process easier for you.
• Try to make an activity out of cutting nails so your baby doesn't detest it but looks forwards to it.
• You don't need to cut baby nails too often, just whenever you see growth or pointy corners.
• If you accidentally cut your baby's skin and it starts to bleed, gently press the area with a soft cloth or cotton pad until the bleeding stops.

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Lastly, remember that a regular nail cutter may not be suitable to cut your baby’s nails as these have longer blades that cut deep. A baby nail cutter is a convenient way to cut your baby’s nails without hurting them or causing any pain.