BABY CARE & HYGIENE TIPS Trimming Baby’s Nails Q: How do I cut my baby’s nails? A: It is wise to trim the baby’s nails after bath time. This softens the nails and makes cutting easier. Hold each finger or toe securely, gently pressing the skin underneath the nail out of the way to avoid cutting it as you trim. Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Round off the sharp corners on the fingernails to prevent scratches. It is also recommended that you use a baby-sized nail file to smooth any rough edges. Pacifier Care Q: How do I know what brand or type of pacifier to buy? A: There is a variety of excellent pacifiers on the market. Most of them are marked with the appropriate months for use. Q: How often should I change or buy new pacifiers? A: It is recommended by many pacifier manufacturers to “discard a used pacifier after four weeks of use for safety and hygiene purposes.” (quote from Avent pacifier insert) Q: Can I sterilize a pacifier? A: Yes! In fact it’s always a good idea to have a number of pacifiers for your baby so you can rotate use. You can “steam sterilize” your baby’s pacifier by placing it in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. If you only have one (1) pacifier handy, please make sure it is cool before allowing the baby to use it again. Q: Can I dip the pacifier nipple in a sweet substance (syrups, honey, jams etc.) to enhance it for my baby? A: This is not a recommended practice. It can possibly lead to early tooth decay. Q: What are other ways to protect my pacifiers and keep them free from bacteria? A: Proper storage is very important. Avoid keeping pacifiers in direct sunlight since it increases the chances of rapid bacteria growth. Try storing them in a clean, dry and covered container once they have been sterilized and are completely dry. Also, if the pacifier happens to fall on the floor or ground, consider regular pacifier sterilization and rotation to make sure your bundle of joy is healthy and safe.