The claim

「Don’t cut a baby’s nails in the first year」

Q: Don’t cut a baby’s nails in the first year

Myth — Singapore's Ministry of Health guidance is specific: start cutting your baby's nails about one month after birth. Before that you may use mittens to stop them scratching their face, but mittens are discouraged from around six weeks — by then your baby should be bringing hands together, touching their cheeks and exploring textures, and mittens block that sensory learning. Use baby nail clippers with rounded tips, cut while they sleep, follow the curve of the fingertip, and do not cut too deep.

Verdict

Myth

Singapore's Ministry of Health guidance is specific: start cutting your baby's nails about one month after birth. Before that you may use mittens to stop them scratching their face, but mittens are discouraged from around six weeks — by then your baby should be bringing hands together, touching their cheeks and exploring textures, and mittens block that sensory learning. Use baby nail clippers with rounded tips, cut while they sleep, follow the curve of the fingertip, and do not cut too deep.

Sources

HealthHub SG · HealthHub, Singapore Ministry of Health
HealthHub, Ministry of Health / Health Promotion Board, Singapore. (n.d.). The beginner's guide to taking care of your baby: 0 to 6 months. https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/pregnancy-and-infant-health/the-beginners-guide-to-taking-care-of-your-baby-0-6-months
Direct source · Government / official agency · checked 2026-08-02

「Don’t cut a baby’s nails in the first year」

Verdict

Sources

Related claims · Daily Care

Further reading