Nail care for newborns: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for heavy bleeding or if your baby becomes very pale, difficult to wake, or has trouble breathing.

   These are not expected effects of nail care.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical care if bleeding continues despite steady pressure, the cut appears deep, or part of the nail has been torn away.

   A rectal temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby younger than 3 months needs prompt medical assessment, whether or not it follows nail care.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Contact your healthcare team during routine hours if a cut is not healing, or if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, pus-like fluid, or an ingrown nail.

   Also ask for advice if you cannot safely distinguish the nail from the skin.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Nail care for newborns. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.