
IN THIS ARTICLE
Newborn nails are prickly. They start off as soft and cute, but within a few weeks they begin to become hard and sharp. Mittens will work, but our littles need to see their fingers to help with their developemnt. So, although it may feel strange to take a pair of baby nail clippers to your little one’s tiny nails, it is necessary. If we don’t, mamas, their faces get scratched (and ours do too!). So, take a deep breath in and slowly let it out, because we have to tackle the anxiety around clipping your baby’s nails.
If you have a little one on the way or if you are holding him now, let’s get into how to trim those tiny talons, how to file newborn nails and how to keep baby — and you — calm while doing it.
When to begin trimming your baby's nails?

Trimming can begin after the first few weeks. “They will likely require trimming or filing at least once a week, because long nails on the hands of newborns with little to no control of them predictably result in stray scratches,” shared pediatricians Laura A. Jana, MD, FAAP, and Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, in Healthy Children.
Newborn hands, arms, and legs have minds of their own, so limiting what can happen and making sure that their hands and feet are free from their own nails.
How to calm a fussy newborn during their nail care

Before we are flooded with anxiety about trimming our newborn’s nails and before our babies begin crying out from angst, check out these medically approved ways of avoiding the fuss and having a successful baby mani and pedi experience.
Do the deed after a feeding or a bath or even asleep
Choose the time when your little one will be too occupied being happy and satisfied to be concerned with what is happening to her finger and toenails.
“Trim or file your baby's nails when she's asleep and her hands are less of a moving target,” shared Dr. Jana and Dr. Shu.
Find the right position
If you are comfortable, then there is a higher chance that your baby will be comfortable. Try placing your baby in your lap, relaxing with them in your favorite rocker, or even waiting until your baby falls asleep.
Distract your little one, and team-up
Every mother quickly learns that doing tasks alone is not always the way to go, so send out the SOS message to your partner.
“My aunt swore by waiting until the baby was asleep. This worked well with the first, but by the fourth kid, we just tag-teamed it — with my husband doing his best to entertain/distract while I cut as quickly as possible,” mom of four Naomi Naughton previously told Mom.com.
Hold their hand
Once in position, have a firm but gentle hold on your newborn’s hand and use your free hand to do the trimming.
“Push down on the fingertip skin so you can get the clipper or scissors around both sides of the nail and avoid cutting your baby's finger (or toe),” Dr. Jana and Dr. Shu suggested.
Best nail clippers for getting the job done safely

Ok, so now that you have the know-how on getting this nail clipping over and done with, here are some top picks for the best nail clippers.
- Frida Baby NailFrida SnipperClipper Set — This great all-in-one set includes curved baby nail clippers and a curved baby emery board.
- ZoLi BUZZ B — Let a machine do the work. This battery-operated nail filer gently shapes and trims your newborn’s nails to exactly where they need to be.
- UpwardBaby Nail Clippers and Scissors — For those who want to prepare for anything and everything, snatch up this nail set for the ease of knowing you will have all the tools needed for addressing your baby’s nails.
- Little Martin’s Drawer Baby Nail Trimmer — An LED light makes this electric trimmer a winner in our book. Extra filing pads and a handy case to keep everything stored together.
- RHOOST Nail Clipper for Baby — This nail cutter has a wide bamboo grip that makes it a comfortable and stylish trimmer.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.