I have been a Mother/Baby RN for 23 years.  We have always told moms not to
cut their baby's fingernails for about 2 weeks because of the risk of
cutting the skin and infection.  We have also told them not to bite the
nails for the same reason.  I tell parents to get an infant emery board and
very gently file the rough spots so baby won't scratch.  I always encourage
them to keep the hands uncovered to facilitate breastfeeding but many moms
just won't for fear of scratching or because it hurts them to have the baby
scratch their breast.  I've been chastised for recommending the soft emery
board.  Is there any research out there that anyone knows of that says that
cutting the nails early poses any risk to the baby or that baby emery boards
can cause harm?

Linda Anderegg, RNC, IBCLC, RLC


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