and apply it
with a soft piece of worn flannel, and when the child is entirely clean rub
all off with a fresh piece of flannel.

2. Many physicians in the United States recommend a thorough oiling of the
child with pure lard or olive oil, and then rub dry as above stated. By
these means water is avoided, and with it much risk of taking cold.

3. The application of brandy or liquor is entirely unnecessary, and
generally does more injury than good. {305}

4. If an infant should breathe feebly, or exhibit other signs of great
feebleness, it should not be washed at once, but allowed to remain quiet
and undisturbed, warmly wrapped up until the vital actions have acquired a
fair degree of activity.

5. DRESSING THE NAVEL.--There is nothing better for dressing the navel than
absorbent antiseptic cotton. There needs be no grease or oil upon the
cotton. After the separation of the cord the navel should be dressed with a
little cosmoline, still using the absorbent cotton. The navel string
usually separates in a week's time; it may be delayed for twice this length
of time, this will make no material difference, and the rule is to allow it
to drop off of its own accord.

6. THE CLOTHING OF THE INFANT.--The clothing of the infant should be light,
soft and _perfectly_ loose. A soft flannel band is necessary _only_ until
the navel is healed. Afterwards discard bands entirely if you wish your
babe to be happy and well. Make the dresses "Mother Hubbard"--Put on first
a soft woolen shirt, then prepare the flannel skirts to hang from the neck
like a slip. Make one kind with sleeves and one just like it without
sleeves, then white muslin skirts (if they are desired), all the same way.
Then baby is ready for any weather. In intense heat simply put on the one
flannel slip with sleeves, leaving off the shirt. In Spring and Fall the
shirt and skirt with no sleeves. In cold weather shirt and both skirts.
These garments can be all put on at once, thus making the process of
dressing very quick and easy. These are the most approved modern styles for
dressing infants, and with long cashmere stockings pinned to the diapers
the little feet are free to kick with no old-fashioned pinning blanket to
torture the naturally active, healthy child, and retard its development. If
tight bands are an injury to grown people, then in the name of pity
emancipate the poor little infant from their torture!

7. THE DIAPER.--Diapers should be of soft linen, and