It's definitely scarry clipping your baby's tiny little nails for the first time. It is certainly necessary though. Babies aren't in control of their limbs when they are born and can unwittingly scratch their cornea with those sharp little fingernails. If you are too frightened to clip them, be sure to dress your little one's hands with protective mitts until you can have your pediatrician or a friend in the know show you how to clip your tiny one's nails.

The first time I clipped my baby's nails (at two week's old) I was nervous. However, I was delighted and the nervousness faded after I clipped the first one only to discover that her nails were soft and easy to clip. They didn't snap off like an adults nails do. There was no noise at all as I clipped each little nail.

To clip them successfully, choose a time when you can fully concentrate and your baby is sleeping. Turn on a lamp near a chair or couch. Sit down with the legs bent up on your couch. (I sat with my back against the arm of the couch). Lean your baby back against your legs. While he or she is sleeping gently take each finger and position the clipper so that you are NOT going to accidentally take off any skin. Gently clip down. Wala- one done and nine more to go.