How to Trim a Baby's Toenails

Although a baby's toenails do not grow as quickly as her fingernails, it is still necessary to trim them from time to time. Practicing proper hygiene techniques is the best way to keep your baby healthy. Babies that tend to squirm around may be a little more difficult to handle when it comes to trimming toenails, but with a little patience, you'll get the hang of the task in no time at all.

Things You'll Need

  • Toy
  • Nail file
  • Infant nail clippers

Instructions

    • 1

      Wait to trim your baby's toenails until after he has had a bath. Sitting in the warm water will make the toenails soft. Soft toenails are easier to cut than hard toenails.

    • 2

      Sit on a sofa and lay the baby down next to you with her feet propped up on your lap. Give your baby a toy to keep her hands busy while you work on trimming her toenails.

    • 3

      File the toenails down with a nail file if it hasn't been that long since you last trimmed them. Sometimes this is all that is needed. Remember to move the nail file in the same direction each time. Do not go back and forth or you risk the nails splitting or becoming cracked.

    • 4

      Clip the toenails with a set of infant nail clippers if the nails have grown too long to file. This is best done by moving the clippers straight across the top of each nail. Rounding the nail leaves your baby prone to ingrown toenails.

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