Baby's finger! :(

[Anonymous]

I am babysitting all this weekend for an almost-three month old and her almost-two year old sister. When I got the baby out of her swaddle one of her (very long) fingernails was snagged on it and peeled back a bit. Thinking I'd prevent a repeat scenario I trimmed a couple of her longest fingernails when she went back to sleep, but when I got to the offending nail something startled her and When she jumped I accidentally cut her finger. For the first time in my life! I've cut so many hundreds of nails and I feel so so so bad. Luckily she didn't really notice or cry, but it bled a lot and I'm so embarrassed. Don't really need any advice, just bummed out and hoping her parents aren't too upset.

[Anonymous]

I work with infant majority of the time. I have cut nails thousands of times. I've had this scenario happen, too. I just put some ointment on that finger and let the parents know. They have done the same thing and if wasn't a big deal. Don't be embarrassed. That has far more often that people admit.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! That was what I needed to hear.

When they left last night they said that a successful weekend would be one where all three of us are alive when they come back so I know they're understanding people, I just hate seeing that big red cut and knowing I caused it. Helps a lot to know other nannies have done this and it wasn't the end of the world.

[Anonymous]

If her mother is too lazy to cut her nails then somebody has to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you! That was what I needed to hear.

When they left last night they said that a successful weekend would be one where all three of us are alive when they come back so I know they're understanding people, I just hate seeing that big red cut and knowing I caused it. Helps a lot to know other nannies have done this and it wasn't the end of the world.

You're welcome. This only happened a few times and I was very worried on the parents reaction. They said it was okay. I think the bigges thing is just to be upfront and tell them. The good thing is that a babies nails grow so fast that the wound will be healed in a couple days.

Don't listen to the troll below. Maybe if we ignore she/he will go back under their bridge!

[Anonymous]

MB here. I did the same thing once OP and felt just awful about it. Baby fingernails are so thin, it's very easy to do.

If you were my nanny I'd want you to tell me (email or text) tonight. Just say "I just wanted to let you know that Baby jerked her hand while I was trimming a torn nail, and I accidentally cut her a tiny bit. She's fine and she didn't even cry but there was some blood and I just felt awfully about it. I just wanted to tell you - not because you need to worry, but because I didn't want to keep anything from you. Everything else is totally fine."

Then I'd immediately thank you for telling me and tell you not to worry about it at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work with infant majority of the time. I have cut nails thousands of times. I've had this scenario happen, too. I just put some ointment on that finger and let the parents know. They have done the same thing and if wasn't a big deal. Don't be embarrassed. That has far more often that people admit.

Yea but they are paying this woman for her expertise, SHE shouldn't be having these problems.

OP I would suggest to save face you offer to return the money they would have otherwise payed you for this weekend and next time please be more careful.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PPs; I took your advice and texted them and they were very sweet about it. Whew!