What Are Baby Scissors Used For And When/How to Use Them
To keep baby fingernails short and healthy, they need to be maintained regularly. You might have used traditional baby clippers in the past. If so, you may be curious about baby scissors and whether you should get them.
Baby scissors are used to cut the fingernails and toenails of infants and newborns. They are safer than nail clippers and can be used to avoid injuries and cuts. Because infant fingernails or toenails can be cut with nail scissors, the parent can see exactly where they are cutting.
When I first saw baby nail cutting scissors, I was skeptical. The blades are larger than those on regular nail clippers and scissors don't mix well with babies. Let's find out why they are so good alternatives to baby nail scissors and how you can get the most from them!
Baby scissors are a great option to baby nail clippers
Baby nails grow faster than adult nails. They can also grow unevenly and a little jagged. These two factors can be combined to create fast-growing baby claws. You'll wonder why you didn’t name your bundle of joy Wolverine.
It is sad to say that no one wants to see a baby with long, jagged fingers. Babies are often unable to control their arms or legs when they are born. It is not uncommon for them to scratch their skin if their parents don't pay enough attention to their nails.
Baby scissors can be a great option to baby nail clippers. They allow parents to see exactly where they are cutting the nail so that there is no chance of the baby getting hurt or bleeding. These scissors will have rounded tips and overlapping blades to reduce the risk of accidental cuts to the skin.
How to use baby nails scissors
This will be much easier than you imagine.
Instead of using a traditional nail cutter and cutting one large piece, you can use baby scissors to trim the nails as you go. This is the best way to do it:
- Place the scissors on the one side of your nail.
- Lift the edge of your nail lightly and slide the scissors under.
- Slowly start to remove the nail from one side to another.
- You don't want to push the scissors too fast, or the nail could be ripped!
- If your baby starts to move or becomes fussy, you should stop.
A video is worth a thousand pictures. Here's an example of a licensed pediatrician using baby nails scissors to trim the nails of a newborn.
It is likely to have the best success if you attempt to trim your baby's nails when he is asleep or eating. They will be more relaxed and will move less. If your baby doesn't cooperate, don't be afraid of abandoning the mission. You can always come back to the nail job at another time.
Do you require special baby nail scissors
As long as the scissors are specifically designed for babies, you don't require any special type of nail scissors. Safety is paramount, but comfort and ease are the most important considerations. These are the features that you want:
- Blades for scissors that are rounded and blunt
- For adults, oversized handles
- Cover or case to protect the scissors when they aren't in use
- The scissors are made of high quality materials so they can last for more than one baby.
Although most brands will offer the same performance, I recommend the Simba Baby Safety Scissors. I was shocked at how affordable they are online. I bought mine originally in a pharmacy. These baby scissors are very affordable and highly rated. They also meet all the criteria I look for in baby safety scissors.
What time can you trim the nails of a newborn?
Baby nail scissors, as I have said before are the best for cutting nails of infants and newborns because they are so flexible and soft.
This means you can trim your newborn nails at any time, even the first week. Many babies have longer fingernails than they are at birth so you can start trimming them as soon as possible.
Ask the nurses at the hospital if you have any questions about the process. Most labor and delivery nurses have a lot of experience with babies and can give you some tips and tricks.
You'll need to trim your nails at least once a week. This is a lot more than what you'd have to do for your nails as an adult. (Though pregnant women can grow nails very fast thanks to baby vitamins!) However, baby nails are an entirely different thing!
What happens if the nails of your baby are still razor-sharp after being cut?
You can file your nails if they are still too sharp after you have cut them.
It might take some time to file baby nails, but if you are only using them to trim them, a file can be a great second tool. There are two types of baby nail files available: glass or disposable.
The NailFrida by FridaBaby is a great option if you are looking for disposable files (emory board-style) that will make filing and rounding your baby's nails much easier than traditional ones.
Glass options are a better option for those who want something that will last for years. This set by Babygoal is very affordable and made of durable Czech floating glass. It has been highly reviewed on Amazon. The pouch helps keep them safe and prevents them from being lost or damaged.
What about traditional baby nail scissors?
You can still use your old-fashioned baby nail cutters if you're still unsure about using baby nail scissors.
Whatever method you choose to trim your baby’s nails, make sure it is done regularly and safely. If you don't have the tools yet, I suggest getting them as soon as your baby is born. This will allow you to be able to finish the job quickly and not have to rush to catch up in the chaotic weeks following delivery.