Trimming and Cutting of Baby Nails

About your Baby’s Nails

Have you ever wondered why babies scratch themselves so much? It’s because they can’t really control what their arms and legs do until they’re about six weeks old. Intentional movement comes even later, at around 4-6 months.

Newborns’ nails are soft enough that they don’t need frequent cutting – they’re usually worn down by your baby’s clothing. As your baby gets old enough to interact with his environment, his daily activities will also help to wear down his nails.

But your baby’s nails grow quite fast. You can cut or file (using an emery board) fingernails and toenails as needed, just rounding off the nails so they’re smooth. Your baby’s nails are quite soft. You can gently nibble the nails off if you prefer not to use clippers or scissors on them.

How to trim your baby’s nails

Try to do this task when your newborn is asleep, very calm or drowsy. For older children, you can use a high chair or car seat where the child can be strapped in.

You might like to try to follow these steps:

• Use special baby nail clippers or an emery board. 
• Work with someone else if it helps – one holding the newborn as the other trims the nails.
• Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
• Involve your baby in the activity – making a game of it keeps things moving.
• Talk calmly or sing to your baby as you cut the nails.
• If your baby is older, you might be able to distract her with a toy or activity.
• Praising your baby for helping you finish can help you both feel good about getting the job done.

  Nail problems

  It’s not uncommon for young babies to get a small infection (‘paronychia’) around a fingernail or toenail. This often clears up without needing treatment, although you might need to put a small amount of antiseptic cream or liquid on the nail.
  Sometimes this infection can spread further into the skin of the finger or toe, causing the area to become swollen and red. If you notice this, see your doctor. Your baby might need an antibiotic to help clear the infection.

Baby Poos and wees

The Basics:

Your newborn’s first poo will be a dark green substance (called meconium). This is normal – it’s just his body cleaning itself out after being in the womb. You might still see some dark green for a few poos.

Young babies can wee and poo many times every day. Having lots of wet nappies is a good sign – it shows that your child is getting all the fluids she needs. The wetting will be less frequent as your baby gets older, but will still happen at least 6-8 times a day.

If your baby wears absorbent disposable nappies and you want to check how much he’s weeing, the weight of the nappy is a better test than how wet it feels. Also, sometimes there can be small ‘crystals’ on the inner surface of a disposable nappy. These come from the inside of the nappy, not from your baby.

Looking at wee

Every time your baby wees, examine the stream or stain. This will tell you a lot about your baby’s health.

Light pink or orange stains are nothing to worry about. They’re caused by the wee reacting with chemicals in the nappy, and are quite common. Darker wee, on the other hand, is a sign that your child might be dehydrated or not feeding enough.

If the wee stains are red or brown, and you suspect the presence of blood or you think your baby isn’t well, consult your doctor immediately.

Looking at poo

As the weeks pass, you can expect variations in:

• how often your baby does a poo
• the colour of the poo
• the consistency of the poo – firm, runny and everything between
• the smell of the poo – it generally gets more smelly as baby begins eating solids.

How your baby’s poo looks might depend on your baby’s diet.

Breastmilk
The poo:

• will be quite runny, a bit like mustard, often a yellow-orange colour, but sometimes green
• will be less frequent but still quite soft after a few months
• can smell quite sweet. It can also be affected by what you eat.

Formula
The poo:

• is generally firmer but can vary a lot in colour and consistency
• can be grey-yellow (or even grey-blue), or some shades of brown.   

Change from one formula to another 
This can lead to changes in appearance and regularity of poo.

Solids
The poo:

• becomes firmer and smellier once solids are introduced
• can look as if some solids are undigested. This is because your baby’s digestive system is still developing.

Spotting poo problems

Constipation
This is when the poo is hard and dry, and looks like marbles. This kind of poo is difficult for your baby to push out, which can be upsetting for her. If this continues or you spot any blood in the poo, speak with your doctor or child and family health nurse. Constipation is more likely to happen in bottle-fed babies, usually if the formula has been made without enough water.

If your baby seems to be putting a lot of effort into pooing, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s constipated. Young babies often go red-faced, grunt or even cry during pooing, but can grow out of this when they get more used to the experience.

Diarrhoea
This is when your baby does more runny (even watery) poos, more often than usual. If your baby is vomiting as well, he might have a gut infection. It’s important to see the doctor immediately to avoid your baby dehydrating.

Pale poo If a baby with jaundice also has white, grey or pale yellow poo, the baby might have a rare liver disease. The baby will need a blood test to check, so seeing the doctor is very important.

Baby Equipments

Essentials

Here are the essential items you need when you have a baby:

• A baby capsule or reversible infant car seat: by law, you must have one to drive your baby home from the hospital. You can rent one for the trip if that’s the only time you’ll be driving your newborn around.
• Something for your baby to sleep in: bassinettes, small infant cots (sometimes called Moses cots or baskets), baskets, cribs and portacots are good, portable options. Or you can choose to skip these options and go straight to using a full-size cot. With cots, it’s better to use one with a mattress base that’s at least adult waist height – it’s better for your back.
• Maternity pads for mum: these are extra-long and extra-thick sanitary pads. Take lots to the hospital because you’ll need several for every day you’re there. You’ll also need more for when you get home.
• Nappies: even if you plan to use reusable nappies, it’s a good idea to have a few disposables on hand just in case.
• Nappy bag: having a nappy bag is convenient for when you’re out and about.
• Three or four baby jumpsuits and a selection of singlets or vests for underneath: jumpsuits are legless suits that fasten at the crotch and are worn under other clothing (or by themselves in very warm weather). You might also need cardigans or jumpers, depending on the time of year and where you live. For more information on baby clothes, see dressing your newborn and dressing your baby.
• If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need nursing bras and breast pads. You might want to think about a breast pump if you plan to express any milk or return to work soon. 
• If you’re bottle-feeding, you’ll need bottles, teats and bottle-washing items. 
• A few baby wraps: muslin wraps are lighter and better for summer.
• A waterproof change mat or table: even a makeshift change area is fine as long as it’s comfortable and your baby can’t roll off.

After you have these essentials, you might decide to do without or hold off on buying a lot of extras. Some equipment can be quite expensive, so it makes sense to base your decisions on what you think you’ll use, rather than what advertisers or others tell you.

Other gear

Here are some other items you might find helpful:

• A baby bath and some soft towels for wrapping and drying your baby after each bath. Otherwise, you can bathe your baby in a deep sink or basin, providing it’s safe and clean.
• Nursery toys: a musical mobile can help your baby settle and provide something colourful to look at.
• Nappy rash cream and other baby skin care products, such as sorbolene or non-perfumed bath oil. Talcum powder isn’t recommended because it has fine particles that your baby might breathe in. It can also get into your baby’s genitals and cause damage to internal structures. 
• A nappy bin with lid. You can also buy individual disposable nappy bags (or use old plastic grocery bags), which are handy for when you’re out with your baby.

Researchers advise against buying your baby an infant ‘walker’ to move around in. There are dangers associated with this equipment, and children left unattended have been hurt. Read CHOICE magazine’s guide to baby walkers.

Transporting your baby

Car seats and capsules
When borrowing or hiring a baby capsule, you should never use one that’s been in an accident. This is because the capsule mightn’t be safe any more. You also need to have it fitted correctly (you can get this done at a motoring association fitting station or an accredited private one).

When you’re learning how to use a baby capsule or convertible car seat, it helps to know:

• how to position your baby in the capsule or seat 
• how to alter and check the straps to fit children who are growing bigger (capsules with velcro straps aren’t recommended)
• the manufacturer’s and road traffic authority’s recommended weight restrictions for use of the capsule or car seat. Most baby capsules are suitable up to 8 kg, but each model will have a different requirement.

Your baby is ready for a car seat when she reaches 8-9 kg and can hold her head up well (usually around 6-9 months old). Keep the car seat and your baby facing the rear window for as long as possible.

For more information, you might like to read our article on car seats and restraints.

Try not to:

• take the capsule from its frame then out of the car – they’re usually not replaced properly in the frame and are then unsafe
• leave babies asleep in capsules
• leave babies in the capsule for longer than the journey – this isn’t good for their skeletal development.

There are many convertible car seats that are suitable for babies and toddlers. If you can get one of these for your car, it will save you buying a car seat for when your baby is small then another one later. By law, your child must have the right car seat for his age.

Never carry your child on your lap in a car, even if you’re wearing a seatbelt. Always use an approved car seat, suitable for your child’s age and size.

Prams and baby carriers
Your pram or pusher needs to be safe and sturdy, but it’s also a good idea to choose one that best suits your needs. Do some research, because there’s a huge range to choose from. If you enjoy long walks, choose a pram that suits this purpose. If you use a lot of public transport, find one that’s easy to fold down quickly. And be practical – be sure to check that the pram will fold down and fit in your car boot before you buy it.

Using baby slings or harnesses is an easy way of getting about and being hands-free with your child. But try to avoid carrying your baby upright for more than a couple of hours – for longer periods, lying flat is better for babies.

You can read more about using prams, strollers and carriers safely.

Saving money

You can save money by buying pre-loved toys and some furniture (although it’s generally not recommended to buy second-hand cots, because they might not comply with current safety standards). You can find second-hand goods in lots of places, including:

• websites such as eBay
• trading papers
• parents’ groups
• local community advertisements and garage sales
• local markets
• second-hand shops.

Other ways to save include buying only what you really need. Some new baby products are based on gimmicks. Talking to other parents about what they’ve found useful can be a good guide.

You can look out for sales and special offers on items like nappies and wipes, and stock up when they’re cheap..

Wind

Burping your baby

• Newborns might have wind because they swallow air when crying or feeding. They get rid of wind by burping or passing wind from their bottom. Some babies may be unsettled during and after a feed until they’ve been burped.
• Put a cloth over your shoulder. Put baby over your shoulder with your arm from that side supporting her bottom. Once baby is upright and outstretched, gently rub her back with your other hand.
• It’s not unusual for your baby to vomit up some milk during burping.

Other positions to try

• Very windy babies might need to be burped during a feed before switching breasts.
• Sit your baby upright on your lap, letting him lean forward with his tummy against your hand or arm. The pressure of your hand or arm against his tummy might help bring up wind. Rub his back gently with your other hand.
• Place baby face down on your lap or your forearm so he’s looking sideways and is supported by your knee or hand. Rub him back gently with your other hand.

When baby is still upset

• If your baby is still upset after being burped, the problem might be something other than wind.
• If your baby doesn’t settle, you might like to see your GP or family and child health nurse.
• Once baby has been burped and is comfortable, she might be ready for play and spending time with you.

Safety in the Sun

For healthy development, your child needs to have a small amount of exposure to the sun. This can be as little as 10-15 minutes per day. Your baby’s skin burns much more easily than adult skin, so taking care in the sun is important. 

did you know

• Because of high exposure to UV radiation, Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world – a cancer that can spread rapidly around the body – in the world.
• You don’t have to sit in the sun to be exposed to UV radiation. You can get burned on a cloudy or cool day, or if there’s sun reflecting on to you from buildings, water, sand or snow.

Sun protection

• Pick the right time of day: UV radiation is strongest between September and April, between 10 am and 3 pm. If you can, save trips to the playground, the park or the beach for early morning and late afternoon.
• Shade: shade provides some protection from UV radiation, but babies and small children can still be burned by reflected sunshine. Even if you’re sitting in the shade, cover your child with clothes to stop burning, and use sunscreen on any exposed skin. If you’re using a pram, cover it with a shade cloth and allow for ventilation. Alternatively, some prams have adjustable canopy tops that can move and offer shade as the sun’s position changes.
• Umbrella or sunshade: if you can’t find shade, create your own using an umbrella or sunshade. Make sure your shade protection creates a dark shadow to prevent the reflection of UV rays. Always keep window sunshades in your car to protect your child while you’re driving.
• Clothing: keeping your child’s skin covered with clothes made from tightly woven fabric such as t-shirt material will protect her from the sun. If you hold the fabric up to the light, you can see how much sun will get through it. Cotton clothes with long sleeves and cotton leggings will keep her cooler than clothes made from acrylic fibres. You can also get baby clothes that are specially designed to block the sun and that indicate how protective they are. Look for them at Cancer Council shops.
• Hats: a hat is a great way to protect your child from the sun. Look for a soft hat so he can still lie down comfortably while he’s wearing it. A full crown hat with a full brim or a neck flap is better than a baseball cap because it provides more shade. A chin strap will help keep it on your baby’s head.
• Sunglasses: look for close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067. Wearing sunglasses in combination with an appropriate hat can reduce your child’s exposure to UV rays by 98%.
• Sunscreen: sunscreen combined with clothing and shade is the most effective way to keep your child safe from sun and reflection. Use a SPF 30+ sunscreen on the face, hands and any other parts of your child that aren’t covered by clothes. It will work better if you put it on 20 minutes before you go outside, and reapply it every two hours.

Handling of Newborn Baby

Picking up your baby

• Take care with your newborn’s head, especially around the fontanelles, the soft spots on the top of his head. Always support your newborn’s head and neck – newborns have very little neck muscle control.
• When picking your baby up, slide one hand under her head for support, with your other hand under her bottom.
• Once you’ve got a good hold, scoop your baby up and bring him close to your chest.

Cradling your baby

• Make sure your baby’s head is resting on your chest. Slide your hand from her bottom up to support her neck.
• Gently move your baby’s head to the crook of your arm, still supporting his neck. Place your other hand under his bottom.
• Using the cradle hold lets you look at and talk to your newborn.

Shoulder hold and safety tips

• Rest your baby on your chest and shoulder, supporting her head and neck with your hand. Place your other hand under her bottom. This way baby can hear your heartbeat and see over your shoulder.
• To keep your baby safe, never hold hot drinks or cook while you’re holding him. Always hold him securely when going up or down steps.
• You might like to help children and older people if they want to hold your baby. Have them sit down, then gently place your baby in their cradled arms.

Dressing of Newborn Baby

Babies grow fast, so it pays not to spend too much on many outfits in the smallest sizes. In the first few weeks, your baby needs clothes that are comfy and east to get on and off.

did you know

• Cotton is most comfortable for babies.
• Synthetics can make your baby clammy, and wool can irritate the skin (unless worn as an outer layer).

Sizes

Size 000 is intended to fit babies from 0-3 months, and 00 to fit babies from 3-6 months. Some bigger newborns might even be ready to go straight into a size 00. You might have to roll the sleeves up, but it won’t be for long.

Sizes vary between types of clothes and manufacturers, so you might want to compare them to other garments you already have, rather than going strictly by size. Because babies really do grow very fast, you might want to try buying the minimum number of clothes in each size.

What clothes to get

Look for stretchy jumpsuits that button at the front, and tops with envelope necks that are easier to get over your baby’s head. It’s incredibly tricky to dress (and undress) a screaming baby in something that’s difficult to get over the head, or that has 50 buttons up the back.

Clothes should be soft, comfy and easy to take care of – you won’t have much time on your hands, so it’s best to avoid things that need handwashing and ironing.

Layers
Newborn babies need to be kept warm. In cold weather it can be easier to dress your baby in layers, so you can strip them back when you’re at the shops or in other warm places. As a guide, dress your baby in the same number of layers you’re wearing, plus one extra layer for warmth. A few bunny rugs or wraps will be very handy for wrapping your newborn baby.

Although it’s important to keep newborns warm, it’s equally important your baby doesn’t become overheated.

How many clothes to get

Doing the laundry becomes an almost daily occurrence with a baby, but you’ll still need plenty of changes of clothes. As a guide, the following will see you through for a newborn baby:

• around six singlets
• six jumpsuits
• two nighties or jumpsuits for nightwear
• three tops
• cardigans or jackets (if it’s winter)
• three cotton bunny rugs (for winter) or muslin (gauze) wraps (for summer)
• a couple of cotton hats
• a few pairs of socks.

How to dress a newborn

Lots of newborn babies find the dressing and undressing experience upsetting. The quicker and calmer you are, the less stress for both you and your baby!

• Make sure the room is warm enough, then place your baby on a soft surface.
• Put a nappy on your baby to avoid him weeing on you. 
• Stretch the neck of a singlet and, supporting your baby’s head, put the singlet on from the back. Be careful it doesn’t touch his face as you pull the front over her head – little babies can get very upset by clothes scraping their faces like this. Do the reverse when undressing, once again trying not to let the garment touch his face.
• Gently place his arms through the arm holes.
• If you’re dressing your baby in a jumpsuit, unbutton it and lay him on top. Place his arms and legs into the holes and do up the snap fasteners.
• Make sure your baby’s legs and arms are clothed if he’s going out in the sun (but it’s better to keep him out of direct sun altogether).

How to wash clothes

Baby clothes can be washed with the rest of the laundry, but strong detergents and fabric softeners can irritate your baby’s skin.

Cloth nappies and clothes soiled with poo need to be soaked in nappy sanitiser before washing. Nappy sanitiser also makes a handy pre-soak once your baby is eating solids – even with a bib, your baby’s clothes will get covered in food or juice.

Baby Dental Care

 

Do you know ?

• Baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) develop while babies are still in the womb.
• When babies are born, they have a full set of 20 baby teeth. These are hidden in their gums.

Teeth development

Babies are born with a full set of 20 baby teeth in their gums – 10 up the top and 10 down the bottom. Each baby tooth emerges (‘erupts’) slowly over several weeks or months. As it gets to the surface, the gum opens up to show the tooth.

Most first teeth appear between 6 and 10 months, but different children get teeth at different times. In some children, teeth appear as early as three months. In others, they don’t arrive until around 12 months.

A very small number of children are born with one or two teeth. If this occurs, see a dentist. The dentist can check whether the teeth are loose and let you know the best thing to do.

Most children will have their full set of baby teeth by three years of age.

Caring for your baby’s teeth and gums

Tooth care begins even before the first tooth appears. You can clean your baby’s gums and tongue using water and a clean face washer.

As soon as the first tooth appears (usually around 6-10 months), use a wet face washer, gauze or soft infant toothbrush designed for children under two years. Brush with water onlyat least twice a day, particularly after the first and last feeds.

Preventing early tooth decay

The fight against tooth decay starts early with a couple of simple precautions.

Babies aged 0-6 months need only breastmilk or formula. When your baby’s old enough to drink something other than milk, water is the best option. Drinks with sugar in them can be a factor in tooth decay.

If your baby likes a dummy, don’t dip it in food or liquids such as honey or sugar.

Changing Process of Nappy

Set-up and strip off

• Before changing a nappy, make sure you have everything you need within reach of the change area. This includes a fresh nappy, baby cream, baby wipes or washcloths, and some water.
• Lie your baby down on the change table. If she grizzles, you might like to sing her a song or give her a favourite toy to keep her entertained. Always keep your hands on your baby so she doesn't fall.
• Undress your baby’s bottom half, then undo the nappy. He might do a wee when he feels the cooler air, so have a spare cloth handy. Use the front of the nappy to wipe off any poo, then fold the nappy into a tight bundle to stop spills.

Cleanse and put on the new nappy

• Gently clean baby’s bottom with baby wipes or a damp washcloth. Put cream on her bottom. Always wipe front to back to avoid infections.
• Take a new folded cloth nappy with a liner. Slip it under your baby, then fasten it with clips.
• Put a nappy cover on, covering the whole nappy to avoid leaks.

Nappy-changing tips

• Once you've dressed your baby, put him somewhere safe while you wash your hands.
• When travelling, carry spare cloth nappies, clips, liners, pilchers, baby cream and waterproof bags.
• You might need to change cloth nappies more often (6-7 changes on average per day) than disposables.