Baby Fingernails

Our newborn has surprisingly long nails. Can we use nail clippers so he doesn’t scratch himself?

I do not recommend nail clippers for newborns. In newborns, the tips of their fingers often grows further out underneath their nails. When attempting to clip their nails, parents frequently clip this connected skin. The clipped fingers bleed and the babies cry (but not as much as the guilty parent).

For newborns it is easiest to use an Emery board or hand covers. Experienced parents will often simple tear baby’s finger nails. Newborn nails are so soft that you can peel or tear them shorter using just your fingers.

Written July 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician