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Podiatrist (and dad) approved baby nail trimming tool

Dr. Samuel Kellner tells his experience about trimming his newborn baby toenails and shares a toll that made the process stre

Podiatrist (and dad) approved baby nail trimming tool

 

When my first baby was born a few months ago, I thought I wouldn’t have any problem trimming his toenails. After all, toenail trimming is part of our medical training and something we regularly do as podiatrists. Was I wrong! As I was holding the baby nail clippers and scissors against the cutest and non-stop little feet I struggled just like every first time parent.

The biggest challenge while trimming little toes is that babies don’t stop kicking - unless they are asleep, but you definitely don’t want to risk waking them up. I was confronted with fear of hurting his little toes, cutting the nail too short or pinching his skin. Until my wife found the Haaka Electric Nail Care Set.

Miniature power sander
This battery powered nail trimmer actually doesn’t trim, but instead files the nail like a miniature power sander. It doesn’t harm the skin and I tested it on myself to make sure it would be safe. The Haaka Nail trimmer made filing baby nails (hands and feet) a very convenient and stress free task.

I usually take care of my baby’s nails right before bathtime to ensure that we wash away any nail dust left on his skin. 

Infant’s nails are very thin and can be brittle. Oftentimes they start to flake or peel off on their own. We recommend trimming babies’ toenails every one to two weeks, based on how fast they grow. You should trim the nails until it’s just past the tip of the toe.

The nail sander comes with two different attachments for adult toenails as well - they are more coarse/aggressive - so that parents could take care of their own nails as well with it!

Ingrown toenails in infants
Cutting the toenail back too short can create an ingrown toenail. By the way, ingrown toenails in infants are quite common, but most cases resolve on their own. You can help by softening the skin near the nail with soaks and warm baths and even use a little piece of bandage to strap the baby skin away from the nail. 

If you see redness, drainage or other signs of infection, you should consult with your pediatrician for antibiotic management first. If the infection persists, procedural options may be necessary.

Other ways to prevent an ingrown toenail is to check if their onesies and pajamas aren’t too tight on the tip of the toes. And avoid shoes unless extremely necessary. Babies shouldn’t be in shoes as their feet bones and muscles are still developing. 

Get here the Haaka Electric Nail Care Set.

Read also: Try this life-changing product for thick toenails

 

Author
Dr. Sam Kellner Dr. Samuel Kellner is a foot and ankle surgeon at Central Massachusetts Podiatry, in Worcester and Westborough. Dr. Kellner is dedicated to helping his patients heal from foot injuries that stop them from daily activities. He also plays basketball and likes to spend his free time with his wife, infant son, and two cats.

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