ents, diapers should be washed with pure white soap and without
starch. Waterproof material used to cover the diaper is almost sure to
irritate the baby's skin, and is consequently harmful.

SLEEP.--During his first few weeks a normal baby sleeps about
nine-tenths of the time, and should be left undisturbed except for
necessary care. He should sleep in a crib, bassinet or basket protected
from light and drafts; in no circumstances should a baby sleep in the
bed with his mother or any other person. Pillows are unnecessary for
babies, and indeed for older children, but if used they should be thin
and firm.

The amount of sleep necessary gradually diminishes, but during all the
years of growth a child needs more sleep than an adult. The amount of
sleep required daily is approximately as follows:

First month 18 to 20 hours
Second to sixth month 16 to 18 hours
Sixth month to one year 14 to 15 hours
One to two years 13 to 14 hours
Two to four years 11 to 12 hours

After this time a child should sleep at least ten hours out of the
twenty-four. During the first year a nap in the middle of the forenoon
and another in the afternoon are desirable. A child who is inclined to
sleep so long that his nap interferes with his night's sleep, should be
waked from his nap, but at the same hour every day. When a child is a
year old, one nap during the day is often sufficient, if he is doing
well, but the habit of taking a nap at some time during the day should
be continued through the fifth year if possible, or even later.

Babies should not be rocked or otherwise coaxed to go to sleep; they
should be made comfortable and then left alone. They learn to go to
sleep by themselves as soon as they are convinced that sleep is expected
of them, and that no unfounded objections on their part will be
regarded. Continued inability to sleep normally usually indicates
discomfort or poor general condition, and should be taken up with the
doctor. Pacifiers and thumb-sucking should not be allowed, since they
lead to changes in the shape of the jaw with resulting imperfect
adjustment of the teeth. Soothing syrup and like medicines should never
be given to a baby; death or permanent injury has resulted from their
use. It is impossible to emphasize too strongly the danger of giving
them even a single time.

FRESH AIR.--All that has been said about the importance of fresh air
for adults a