The Care and Feeding of Children | Page 3

L. Emmett Holt
the infant to vomit soon after swallowing its
food. If the clothing is too loose it is soon thrown into deep folds or
bunches, which cause much discomfort. No pins should be used, but,
instead all bands about the body should be basted. The petticoats
should be supported by shoulder straps.
How should the infant be held during dressing and undressing?
Nothing is more awkward than to attempt to dress a young baby in a
sitting posture. It should lie upon the nurse's lap until quite old enough
to sit alone, the clothing being drawn over the child's feet, not slipped
over the head.
Of what use is the band?
It protects the abdomen, but its most important use is to support the
abdominal walls in very young infants, and in this way to prevent the
occurrence of rupture.
How long is this band required?
The snug flannel band, not usually more than four months. In healthy
infants this may then be replaced by the knitted band, which may be
worn up to eighteen months. The band is an important article of dress
in the case of thin infants whose abdominal organs are not sufficiently
protected by fat. With such, or with those prone to diarrhoea, it is often
advisable to continue the band until the third year.
_What changes are to be made in the clothing of infants in the
summer?_
Only the thinnest gauze flannel undershirts should be worn, and
changes in temperature should be met by changes in the outer garments.

The greatest care should be taken that children are not kept too hot in
the middle of the day, while extra wraps should be used morning and
evening, especially at the seashore or in the mountains.
Should older children be allowed to go with their legs bare?
If strong and well there is no objection to this in very hot weather. In
cold weather, however, it is doubtful if any children are benefited by it,
particularly in a changeable climate like that of New York. Many
delicate children are certainly injured by such attempts at hardening.
What sort of underclothing should be worn during cold weather?
Never the heaviest weight, even in winter. Four grades are usually sold,
the next to the heaviest being thick enough for any child.
Do little children require as heavy flannels as older people?
Not as a rule. They usually live in a warm nursery; their circulation is
active; and they always perspire easily during their play. When they go
out of doors, the addition of coats and leggings renders thick flannels
unnecessary.
_Are not many little children clothed too thinly for the ordinary
house?_
Very few. The almost invariable mistake made in city homes is that of
excessive clothing and too warm rooms. These two things are among
the most frequent reasons for their taking cold so easily.
NAPKINS
How should napkins be taken care of?
They should he immediately removed from the nursery when soiled or
wet. Soiled napkins should be kept in a receptacle with a tight cover,
and washed as soon as possible.
_Should napkins which have been only wet be used a second time

without washing?_
It is no doubt better to use only fresh napkins, but there is no serious
objection to using them twice unless there is chafing of the skin. Clean
napkins, changed as soon as wet or soiled, are of much importance in
keeping the skin healthy.
What are the important things to be observed in washing napkins?
Soiled napkins should not be allowed to dry, but should receive a rough
washing at once; they should then be kept in soak in plain water until a
convenient time for washing,--at least once every day,--when they
should be washed in hot suds and boiled at least fifteen minutes.
Afterward they should be very thoroughly rinsed or they may irritate
the skin, and ironed without starch or blueing. They should never be
used when clamp.
NURSERY
What are the essentials in a good nursery?
The furnishings should be very simple, and unnecessary hangings and
upholstered furniture should be excluded. As large a room as possible
should be selected--one that is well ventilated, and always one in which
the sun shines at some part of the day, as it should be remembered that
an average child spends here at least three fourths of its time during the
first year. The nursery should have dark shades at the windows, but no
extra hangings or curtains; about the baby's crib nothing but what can
be washed should be allowed. The air should be kept as fresh and as
pure as possible. There should be no plumbing no drying of napkins or
clothes, no cooking of food, and no gas burning at night. A small wax
night-light answers every purpose.
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