Baby Ingrown Toenail
The short answer
Ingrown toenails are fairly common in babies and toddlers, especially on the big toe. Baby toenails are soft and can easily curve into the surrounding skin. Most mild cases improve with warm soaks and gentle care. If the toe becomes very red, swollen, or shows signs of infection, your pediatrician can help with treatment.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Newborn toenails are very soft and often look ingrown even when they are not. The nail may appear to curve under at the edges, which is a normal shape for infant nails. True ingrown nails at this age are uncommon. If the skin around the nail looks a bit puffy but is not red or painful, it is likely just the normal appearance of newborn toes.
3-6 months
As nails become slightly firmer, they may occasionally dig into the surrounding skin fold. Tight socks or snug footie pajamas can contribute by pressing the nail into the skin. Soak the foot in warm water for a few minutes, then gently push the skin away from the nail edge with a cotton-tipped applicator. Keep the area clean and dry.
6-12 months
As your baby becomes more active with crawling and pulling up, pressure on the toes can worsen an ingrown nail. Make sure shoes and socks are not too tight. Trim toenails straight across rather than curved to reduce the risk of ingrown nails. If redness or swelling develops, warm soaks twice daily can help.
1-3 years
Toddlers in shoes that are too small or too narrow are at higher risk for ingrown toenails. Check shoe fit regularly as toddler feet grow rapidly. Cut toenails straight across and not too short. If an ingrown nail becomes infected (red, swollen, draining), your pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic or perform a simple in-office procedure.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Toenails that look slightly curved at the edges but the skin is not red or painful
- Mild puffiness around the nail that improves with warm soaks
- Temporary redness after tight socks that resolves once pressure is removed
- The toe is persistently red, swollen, or tender and home care does not help
- You see pus or discharge around the nail
- Your baby seems to be in pain when the toe is touched or when wearing shoes
- The toe is very swollen, hot, and red with spreading redness up the foot, suggesting a worsening infection
- Your baby has a fever along with an infected-looking ingrown toenail
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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