thing 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?_

Th