Chapter 66

MOTHERS' REMEDY.--1. Chafing in Infants, Mutton Tallow for.--"Five cents' worth of mutton tallow, melted. Apply at night." If there is a tendency to chafe during the day, use talcum powder, putting the mutton tallow on at night when the child will be quiet, giving it an opportunity to heal.

How shall I take care of the buttocks to prevent chafing? This is the most common place for chafing, as it is so frequently wet and soiled; hence all napkins should be renewed as soon as wet and soiled and the parts always kept perfectly clean.

What is prickly heat, and how caused? Fine, red pimples appear, caused by excessive sweating and from irritation of flannel underwear.

How should I treat it? Muslin or linen should be worn next to the skin. The entire body sponged frequently with vinegar and water (equal parts) and plenty of starch and boric acid powder used; starch, two parts; boric acid (one part) should be put on.

(See Mother's Remedies under "Prickly Heat," General Department.)

CLOTHING FOR THE BABY.

The chest should be well covered with soft flannel, the limbs protected, but not cramped, the abdomen supported by a band, not too tight. The clothing should be neither too tight nor too loose. No pins should be used, but all bands should be fastened to the body. The petticoats should be supported by shoulder straps.

How should a baby be held during dressing? It should lie on the lap until quite old enough to sit alone. Draw the clothes over the child's feet and do not slip them over the head.

Why use the band, and how long should it be worn? It protects the abdomen, but its main use is to support the abdominal walls in very young infants and thus prevents rupture. The snug flannel band should not be worn more than four months. Then in healthy infants a knitted band may be used and worn up to eighteen months. If the baby is thin and the abdominal organs are not protected by fat, they may be troubled with diarrhea and need protection. In such condition, the band may be worn until the third year.

BABY'S FIRST WARDROBE.

Four to six dozen diapers (bird's-eye cotton), two to three shirts (wool), four flannel skirts, two white skirts (nainsook), two to four night dresses (outing flannel), six day dresses, two wrappers, six pairs of socks, four to six flannel bands, two flannel sacks, two shawls or afghans. The dresses to be worn after the first four or six weeks. Of course this can be less or more elaborate, according to the conditions and circumstances of the parents, etc.

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What changes should be made in the clothing in summer? The thinnest gauze flannel undershirts should be worn, the outside garments to be changed for the changing weather. They should not be kept too hot in the middle of the day, while in the morning and evening extra wraps should be used.

Should older children go with bare legs? There is no objection, if they are strong and well, to doing this in warm weather.

What kind of underwear should be worn in cold weather? Next to the heaviest is thick enough.

Do children require heavy flannels? Not as a rule, as they usually live in the nursery and they sweat readily while playing. When they go out-of-doors, coats and leggings render thick flannels unnecessary.

Are many children too thinly clad in the house? Very few. The usual mistake is excessive clothing and too warm rooms. These cause them to take cold so easily.

GENERAL DRESSING FOR DIFFERENT SEASONS.

At night baby may have a warm sponge bath, a fresh band, shirt and skirt put on. In the winter he should sleep in a flannel nightdress and this can be made with a drawing string or button on the bottom so that he cannot expose his feet. In the summer he can wear a cotton night-dress and after the third month the skirt may be left off in very warm weather. By the time baby has entered his second month he may wear simple little "Bishop" dresses instead of his plain slips. At the end of the third month, the flannel band may be discarded, usually, and a ribbed knitted one used. The band should be of wool in the winter, and of silk and wool in the summer. It should be put over the child's feet when he is being dressed each morning, and be changed for a fresh one at night, if possible. If the baby is healthy he may begin going out in March, if the days are mild and there are no stormy cold winds. Begin by letting him stay out one-half hour during the warmest part of the day, then one hour, etc. When there is much melting snow he should not be taken out. In cold weather the baby's cap and cloak should be lined with flannel or lamb's wool. Woolen mittens should cover his hands. A veil is not necessary.

Cap for Baby's Ears.--If baby's ears stand out from his head a considerable distance, it can be corrected best when he is young. A skeleton cap is made for this purpose. This can be bought or the mother can make one out of thin lawn or pieces of broad tape. It should fit snugly in order to do any good and be worn for some time.

Drooling.--If the baby drools much he is apt to wet any little bib he may wear and take cold by having damp clothing next to his throat and chest. Cut a piece of material now made (Linite, by Johnson & Johnson) in the shape of a bib, and bind with tape. This can be worn underneath the bib.

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Short Clothes About the Fifth Month.--Short clothes should be prepared for the baby's wear at the beginning of the fifth month, and may consist of a shirt, knitted band with shoulder straps, flannel skirt made on a cotton waist, in summer or a flannel one for cold weather, and having a row of small flat buttons, on to which the white petticoat may be buttoned; a diaper, and a simple white dress. For summer, white cotton stockings should always be worn, woolen ones in the winter; and they should be long enough so that they may be pinned to the diaper. Moccasins or soft kid shoes should be the first kind worn. At night a baby (in short clothes) should sleep in a shirt, band, diaper and a night-dress of cotton in summer, and flannel in winter. The change to short dresses should not be made in very cold weather; and if the baby is born at such a time as to make it necessary, he may be put into short clothes as early as the end of his third or fourth month, rather than to wait until later and make the change in mid-winter.

Clothing in Summer.--Even in summer, the baby should have clothing which contains some wool. A mixture of silk and wool or cotton and wool may be used for the shirt, band and skirt. The band should never be left off; the shirt may be left off in the hottest weather and the long ribbed band with shoulder-straps may take its place, but the abdomen must be covered by means of the band. The nightdress should now be of cotton and the skirt left off at night, but the band and the thin skirt should be worn. Long, white cotton stockings reaching to the napkin should be worn all summer, and not short socks.

The head should be kept cool, therefore do not use a sunbonnet which shuts out all of the air. Muslin caps and light pique hats provide enough shade, if the baby-carriage has a parasol.

Creeping aprons can be used for babies. They are made of fine gingham and may be put over the dress or worn without one in very warm weather. Make them so as to button all the way down the back, and they sometimes have an elastic or draw-string run into the hem at the bottom of the apron so that the white skirts may be kept clean.

For early fall, two or three little jackets of light flannel or cashmere can be made; and the baby can wear one of these either over or under his white dress in the morning or evening when it is cool. The baby should be in the house by six o'clock unless the weather is exceptionally warm. In the fall, if he has been accustomed to having his nap on the piazza, in his carriage, a screen should-be placed around the carriage to protect him from any possible draught. After the first of October, in chilly days, he should have his nap in the house.

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Winter.--A year-old baby in winter should wear a medium weight wool shirt, knit band with shoulder-straps, a flannel skirt on a flannel waist, white skirt buttoned on to the waist of the flannel skirt, woolen stockings pinned to the diaper, laced shoes, a white dress of some cotton material and for very cold days, a little flannel, or cashmere sack. At night should be worn a band, shirt, diaper and flannel night-dress long enough to keep his feet warm. For an outing in the winter he should have on a light, but warmly lined coat; a wadded lamb's wool lining is best, but it is expensive, and flannel may be used. His bonnet should be lined with flannel; and leggings and mittens should be of wool.

First Half of Second Year.--A baby of this age may wear a thin gauze shirt with short sleeves, but he should wear under it the ribbed silk and wool band and also his flannel petticoat during the summer. Summer complaint is often kept off by such clothing.

Second Half of Second Year.--A baby of this age is too young to walk in the streets in the winter, and his feet cannot be protected from the damp and cold sidewalks by the usual roomy shoes. When in the go-cart instead of his carriage, his legs should be well covered, so that dampness and wind will not chill and give him a cold. A large bag having a draw-string at the top is an excellent thing to use for the lower part of baby's body while in the go-cart, and the strings should be drawn up and tied under his arms. This bag may be made of any material (warm) from eiderdown, cloth, flannel to felting; or it may simply be made of an old crib blanket and a small carriage robe placed over it. Baby's ears should be covered at this age on very cold days, when out. The baby girl should wear a lined bonnet, well covering her eyes. Tam O'Shanter caps of angora wool can be made and pulled down over the eyes for both girls and boys alike; or a soft felt hat with rosettes of ribbon lined with flannel sewed onto the elastic can be made for the boy to protect the head and ears.

By the time baby is two years old, diapers should be given up and little drawers used instead. It may be frequently necessary to use diapers at night for several months longer, although if the baby be taken up at ten or eleven o'clock p. m. he will frequently go all night without urinating.

First Half of Third Year.--Children of this age should be put into night-drawers, cotton ones in summer and flannel ones either with or without feet, in winter. Tiny overalls or "rompers" are now used a good deal for both boys and girls while at play.

Second Half of Third Year.--Now he can walk in the street for a little while each day, even in winter, having his legs protected by warm leggings and with small rubbers for his shoes when the walks are at all damp. Woolen leggings should be used.

Children should not be allowed to race about in their night-drawers and bare feet. They should also have little wrappers and bedroom slippers.

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What About the Nursery? The furnishings should be very simple. No unnecessary hangings or upholstered furniture. A large room, well ventilated and one in which the sun shines at some part of the day. The shades should be dark, but no extra hangings or curtains. Nothing should be allowed about the baby's crib but what can be washed. The air should be kept pure. There should be no plumbing, no drying of napkins or clothes, no cooking of food, and no gas burning at night. A small wax candle will do for all usual purposes.

What kind of heat is best? An open grate fire is best; next, heat from a Franklin stove. Steam heat is bad in a nursery. Never use a gas stove unless for a few minutes during the morning bath.

What should the temperature be during the day? From 66 to 68 degrees with the thermometer hung three feet above the floor. It should never be allowed above 70 F. At night, not below 65 F. during the first three months. After that it may go to 55 F., and after the first year it may go to 50 and even to 45 F.

Does the fireplace furnish enough ventilation? No, the principal ventilation must be from the windows.

How soon can you leave the windows open at night? Usually after the third month, except when the outside temperature is below the freezing point. How often should the nursery be aired? At least twice a day, after the baby has had his bath in the morning and also before putting him to bed for the night. This ventilation should be done thoroughly and the baby should be moved to another room. In the meantime, any time the child is out of the room it should be aired.

How can you ventilate the room at night? During the winter, while the baby is young, the sleeping room may be ventilated at night by opening a window in an adjoining room; or if the weather is not very severe, a window board may be used, or a frame on which has been tacked heavy muslin; this may be from one to two feet high and put into the window like an ordinary mosquito screen. In summer, a screen around baby's crib will furnish all needed protection from the open windows.

How does a room that is kept too warm affect the baby? He becomes pale, loses his appetite, has some indigestion, gains no weight, perspires very much and takes cold easily.

How early in baby's life may airing indoors be commenced, and how long continued? When the baby is one month old. For fifteen minutes at a time at first and may be lengthened ten to fifteen minutes daily. This airing may be continued in all kinds of weather.

Will the baby take cold? Not if the period is at first short and the baby becomes accustomed to it gradually. It is a cold preventive.

How should such an airing be given? The baby should be dressed with bonnet and tight coat and placed in a crib or carriage which should stand a few feet from the window; all the windows should be thrown open for baby's airing. Doors should be closed to prevent draughts.

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How soon can baby be taken out of doors? In summer when one week old, with eyes thoroughly shaded. In spring and fall usually in about one month; in winter, when about three months old, on pleasant days, and kept in the sun and out of the wind.

What time of day is best? A baby may go out almost any time in the early summer and early autumn between 6 A. M. and 7 P. M. In winter and early spring a young child only between ten or eleven and three.

Can this be done in all kinds of weather? When the winds are sharp and the ground covered with melting snow, and when it is very cold, the baby should not go out. If the thermometer is below 32 degrees F., a child under four month's should not go out. If below 20 degrees F., a baby under eight month's should not go out.

What care should be taken? The wind should never blow in the baby's face, its feet and legs should be properly covered and warm and the sun should never be allowed to shine directly upon its eyes either sleeping or waking.

Does this outing do the baby any good? The fresh air renews and purifies the blood, and this is just as necessary for its health and growth as proper food.

How does it show in the baby? The appetite is good, also the digestion. The child sleeps better and all signs of health are seen.

Is it better for the baby to be carried by the nurse in this airing? No, for it can be made more comfortable in its carriage and as well protected from exposure.

Is there any objection to a baby sleeping out of doors in the daytime? No, it needs only to be kept warm and out of draughts. A covered inclosed porch is a good place.

What can be done for a child that takes cold easily? The room should be kept cool when it sleeps, the clothing should be light so that he will not perspire so freely. Every morning the chest and back should be sponged with cold water, 50 to 60 degrees F.

How should such a sponge bath be given? The child should stand in a tub containing a little warm water, and a large bath sponge filled with cold water should be squeezed over the body two or three times. Follow this with vigorous rubbing with a towel until the skin shows quite red. This may be given at least at three years old. For infants the temperature should be 65 to 70 degrees F.

WEIGHING BABY FREQUENTLY.

Why is it necessary to weigh the baby regularly? To be able to tell how it is doing. This is especially necessary during the first year.

How frequently should this be done? During the first six months every week, and during the last six months at least once in two weeks; once a month during the second year.

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How rapidly should the baby' gain weight during the first year? During the first week it loses a few ounces, after this it shows a gain of four to eight ounces a week up to the sixth month, then two to four ounces a week, up to the twelfth month.

Do bottle-fed infants gain so rapidly? Very seldom during the first month, but after that with favorable air and circumstances, the gain is quite regular, and they may gain faster during the latter part of the first year, because the nursing baby loses weight at weaning time.

Why do they not gain so rapidly at first? Because it takes a few weeks for the stomach to become accustomed to cow's milk and until this is accomplished it is necessary that the milk be made very weak or indigestion will result.

What is a baby's average weight at birth? Seven to seven and one-half pounds.

How much should it be at different months at this average birth? At three months it should be twelve to thirteen pounds; at six months fifteen to sixteen pounds; at nine months seventeen to eighteen pounds; at one year twenty to twenty-two pounds. A healthy baby will usually double its weight at five months and at twelve months it will nearly triple its weight.

Should a healthy baby gain steadily in weight during the first year? He usually does, but not regularly in every week during the year. There are periods when most infants do not gain any weight. This is most often seen from the seventh to the tenth month and frequently occurs when the child is teething and sometimes in the very hot weather.

Is gaining regularly in weight a sure sign that the child is thriving normally? Not always, some infants' foods produce weight, but not strength nor development in other respects.

Can the regular gaining in weight guide us as much in the second year? The gain after the first year is not so continuous; interruptions occur during change of seasons, sometimes without any apparent cause.

How soon should a child hold its head up? During the fourth, and sometimes in the third month, as a rule. If the body is supported the head can be held erect.

How early does a baby notice things? During the second month he shows pleasure by smiling and will turn his head in the direction of a sound. They should be kept quiet, or their sleep will be broken.

What will it do at three months? It will recognize its nurse or mother, and will smile and "coo" when she approaches, and now for the first time the tear glands become active and the baby cries with tears. At this age when taken out he should lie out straight in a heavy folded blanket, or hair pillow, having a small thin pillow under his head; a hot water bag should be near his feet; a light woolen blanket or afghan should be put into the carriage and the baby placed upon it, then it should be carefully wrapped around him and the outer carriage robe tucked in. These wraps should be modified according to the weather. Babies should not perspire much for they will take cold readily; so the covering should not be too heavy.

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When does the baby laugh aloud? From the third to the fifth month.

When does it first notice toys, etc.? From the fifth to the seventh month. At four months he is able to hold his head without support. He begins to use his hands better. He will often grasp an attractive object; he will throw it on the floor and expect it to be picked up for him. And also frequently shows signs of fear at the end of the fourth month, and strangers will scare him. He can now be played with for a little time every day, but never before bedtime. The best time is after the morning nap. Do not toss him about, but be gentle with him or you will make him nervous and sleepless at night.

What is baby's condition at the fifth month? He is now a bright lively fellow, and may sit in a half upright position in his carriage or in his chair for a short time each day. When in his chair he should be tied in, a soft pad or pillow should be at his back to support him. He now enjoys exercise on a bed or in a large clothes basket, and may even have one toy at a time to play with. Do not shake rattles at him. It tires him. His naps now grow shorter gradually, but he should take two daily; a long one of two or three hours in the morning and about one hour in the afternoon. He should not sleep late in the afternoon, or he will not sleep as well at night. He now "drools." This is a sign of teeth coming, and baby will bite his fingers and put everything he can hold in his mouth. He may form the sucking habit now, and if he does, put a small toy in his hand, or dip his thumb in a solution of quinine or aloes. The habit of thumb sucking is an ugly one. Another way to stop it is to bind a piece of cardboard on the arm and long enough to reach a little above or below the elbow. Then the arm cannot be bent.

Should the baby use an ivory or rubber ring to bite on when teething? A special cracker is now made in the form of a ring; it is quite hard and composed mostly of malt sugar and is intended for teething babies to bite on.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.-1. Teething, What One Quebec Mother did for.--"Rub paregoric on the gums. This always eased my children."

2. Teething, Novel Canadian Method to Aid in.--"Put a thimble on your finger and when holding the baby rub his gums gently with it, and let him chew on it. This cuts the gums and starts bleeding when the baby doesn't think of it."

How early should a baby be able to sit and stand alone? At seven to eight months he is usually able to sit erect and support his body. He first attempts to bear the weight upon his feet at nine to ten months, and at eleven to twelve months babies can stand without assistance.

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When should a child walk without help? At twelve to thirteen months he attempts to walk. At fifteen to sixteen months the average child is able to run alone.

What conditions postpone this? Premature birth, a delicate constitution, or prolonged illness and especially chronic or digestive disturbances. Rickets is a common sign of late sitting, standing or walking.

Should you urge a child to walk? No; his muscles and bones may not be ready. He will walk soon enough if able.

How early does a child begin to talk? Generally a child can say papa and mamma at one year. The end of the second year the average child is able to put words together in short sentences.

If a child does not attempt to talk in two years, what should be suspected? Child may be a deaf-mute or mentally deficient. It is sometimes seen in children who are very backward.

SPECIAL CARE OF THE BABY.