When can you trim baby's nails?

alrighthamilton · September 2012

Subject: When can you trim baby's nails?

I know you are supposed to peel them, not use clippers yet, but unless they are beginning to peel on their own I can't get them started. And they are so long that it looks like I could take her in to the salon for a full on manicure. At what age can you start using nail clippers? Although I don't know if I'll be able to manage-I can barely work up the courage to trim my dog's nails without fear of cutting his quick.

adoxyinherear · September 2012

I have a little pair of infant nail clippers and we've been trimming them, because she scratches herself and me when she's nursing! I just wait until she's asleep and limp and do it then.

babyike · September 2012

Have you tried peeling them after LO's bath? They usually peel very easily when they're wet.

Our pedi told us to avoid using nail clippers (even "baby" ones) until closer to 12 weeks. But we honestly didn't need to use them until closer to 12 months when the nails get stronger and are harder to peel.

EDIT: The pedi didn't say we couldn't use clippers, only that we should avoid them if we could. I'm guessing it's because peeling is "safer", as in you're less likely to cut them too short than if you used clippers...

alrighthamilton · September 2012

babyike:
Have you tried peeling them after LO's bath? They usually peel very easily when they're wet.
Our pedi told us to avoid using nail clippers (even "baby" ones) until closer to 12 weeks. But we honestly didn't need to use them until closer to 12 months when the nails get stronger and are harder to peel.
No, good idea. I will try them when they're wet. Thanks.

alrighthamilton · September 2012

RusalkaSings:
I have a little pair of infant nail clippers and we've been trimming them, because she scratches herself and me when she's nursing! I just wait until she's asleep and limp and do it then.

Yes, that's what prompted me to write this. I have a scratch on my hand from this morning and her face is beginning to resemble Edward Scissorhand's.

adoxyinherear · September 2012

Becc77:
RusalkaSings:
I have a little pair of infant nail clippers and we've been trimming them, because she scratches herself and me when she's nursing! I just wait until she's asleep and limp and do it then.
Yes, that's what prompted me to write this. I have a scratch on my hand from this morning and her face is beginning to resemble Edward Scissorhand's.

I am terrible about keeping mittens on her! I guess you could ask your pediatrician, though. Ours never said anything about how to trim her nails, just that we ought to. So I assumed I should use clippers.

VolFanRN · September 2012

We've been using sewing scissors to cut his nails since the 1st week he was home. Our peds MD was the one to recommend using the sewing scissors. I usually have to trim them every 3-4 days or else he is scratching his face all up.

chefnicole22 · September 2012

I never heard you couldn't use clippers and that's what I've been doing. I just wait until she's asleep and doesn't care what's happening to her to clip them.

punkrockabye · September 2012

I have done nothing with her nails. I won't even peel them. Peeling at a day old by my MIL was what led to a finger infection and hospital stay at 12 days old. It was horrible and now I'm terrified to do anything whatsoever with her nails, no matter how badly she scratches up my boobs.