When my daughter was just a couple weeks old, I nicked her finger and there was blood.
Sleep-deprived and hormonal, I thought:Forget it.
I cant do this.
Who let me take this child home, anyway?
But she was okay, and eventually, so was I.
Babies nails grow fast.
And they like to explore their cute little faces with those cute little nails.
Thatd be like trying to trim your fingernails with those giant scissors used for ceremonial ribbon cuttings.
Use a pair of baby scissors or clippers made especially for tiny fingers.
We liked thisPiyo Piyo nail clipperwhen my daughter was a baby.
Newborn nails are soft enough to simply file down.
I, however, could barely let myself breathe on my child after she had fallen asleep.
Its not that she was a particularly light sleeper, but preserving the sanctity of The Nap was justthatimportant.
I couldnt risk it.
A good alternative, Ive found, is to trim your babys nails right after a bath.
Theyre usually happy and relaxed, and their nails are nice and soft.
Get Out of the Dark
Find good lightthis is intricate work.
Now you have a good contrast.
Position Your Baby
Babies are squirmy creatures.
Work on one hand as you hold down their opposite arm with your arm.
With the childs toenails, you’ve got the option to cut straight across.
Whatever you do, dont bite the babys nails off.
The bleeding will usually stop within a couple of minutes.
(If it wont, call your doctor.)
Dont use a bandage, as babies love to chew on small objects.
And then take a deep breath and relaxand get ready to it all over again next week.
