Soak your baby’s foot in warm (not hot) soapy water for about ten minutes, two or three times a day. (Most babies love to splash around in water, so it shouldn’t be too hard to convince him to do this.) Afterward, dry it and apply a dab of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream to the problem area.
You might try gently filing the nail away from the skin. If you can, use your nails to gently lift the toenail and insert a small amount of sterile cotton or gauze between the nail and the skin. Use only enough to raise the nail slightly, and replace the cotton several times a day. (If you can’t get your baby to sit still for this, try it while he’s sleeping.)
Have your baby wear loose-fitting shoes or sandals until the toe is healed, and let him go barefoot at home. In many cases, an ingrown toenail will improve in a few days once you start taking these steps.
