Cutting nails

Cutting nails

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.

closeup of baby's fingernails

Use an emery board to smooth out rough edges. Don't use clippers or scissors.

Your baby's nap time is a great time to smooth out or clip finger or toenails.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5, sixth edition, ped-ah-91554
First Published: 02/01/2010
Last Reviewed: 11/16/2022