How to Clip a Baby's Nails

Have You Tried Using a Nail Clipper With a Magnifier?

At my first nanny job the mother taught me how to trim her baby's fingernails and toenails while the baby was asleep. She kept the nail clipping utensils in the car so we could trim the baby's while he was asleep in his car seat.

 

Another good time to clip a baby's nails is right after a bath, when the baby's nails are at their softest. When trimming nails when the baby is awake it's easier to have someone else hold the baby and to try to distract the baby while you trim their nails. In the video below by American Baby the narrator suggests having the baby hold a toy in the hand that is free. Use a pair of baby scissors or clippers made especially for the purpose. The video also recommends using a nail clipper with a Magnifier.

 

Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold on the baby's hand as you clip.

Cut fingernails along the curve of the finger. Cut toenails straight across. Then use an emery board to smooth out any rough edges. The video suggests if the nails aren't too long you may want to avoid clipping them altogether and simply file them to the right length with an emery board.
 

Watch the video below to see how to trim a baby's fingernails and toenails. We have listed our favorite nail clipping products below the video.