Nail care
Nail care
Babies are born with soft nails. However, they soon dry out, and babies can easily scratch themselves. When your baby is a few days old, smooth any rough edges with an emery board. Your baby's naptime is a great time to smooth out finger or toenails.
After a few weeks, use a small nail clipper or baby nail scissors.
Use an emery board to smooth out rough edges. Don't use clippers or scissors.
Source: Allina Health Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, eighth edition, ob-ah-90026
Reviewed By: Allina Health's Patient Education Department experts
First Published: 10/04/2002
Last Reviewed: 12/06/2021