MEDLINEplus Health Information: Return to home page   A service of the National Library of Medicine: Go to NLM home page
Search     Advanced Search    Site Map    About MEDLINEplus    Home
Health Topics: conditions, diseases and wellness Drug Information: generic and brand name drugs Dictionaries: spellings and definitions of medical terms Directories: doctors, dentists and hospitals Other Resources: organizations, libraries, publications, MEDLINE

Medical Encyclopedia

Disease     Injury     Nutrition     Poison     Special     Surgery     Symptoms     Tests


Neonate
 
Overview   

Nail care for newborns



Information:

Definition:
Caring for the fingernails and toenails of newborn infants.

Newborns have fingernails that are usually soft and flexible but that can cause injuries to the infant. Newborn infants do not yet have control of arm, hand, and finger movements. Nails that are ragged or longer than the finger can cause scratches to eyes and skin.

Newborn infants should receive appropriate nail care. Clean the baby's hands and nails during regular bathing. Nails should be carefully trimmed with small, blunt-tipped scissors. (Do NOT use nail clippers--you may clip the tip of the baby's finger instead of the nail!). Use an emery board to keep the nails smooth to prevent injuries.



Adam

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources