temperature of
104 deg. or 105 deg. F.

NERVOUSNESS

_What are the principal causes of excessive nervousness in infants and
young children, and what can be done to prevent this?_

The most important cause is the delicate structure of the brain at
this time, and its rapid growth. It grows as much during the first
year as during all the rest of life. This requires quiet and peaceful
surroundings. Infants who are naturally nervous should be left much
alone, should see but few people, should be played with very little,
and should never be quieted with soothing sirups or the "pacifier."

_At what age may playing with babies be begun?_

Babies under six months old should never be played with; and the less
of it at any time the better for the infant.

_What harm is done by playing with very young babies?_

They are made nervous and irritable, sleep badly and suffer from
indigestion and in many other respects.

_When may young children be played with?_

If at all, in the morning, or after the midday nap; but never just
before bedtime.

TOYS

_What points should guide one in selecting toys and playthings for an
infant?_

The instinct in a baby to put everything into the mouth is so strong
that nothing should be given that cannot be safely treated in this
way. Hence one should choose things which are smooth, those which can
be easily washed, and those which cannot be swallowed.

One should avoid (1) toys with sharp points or corners; (2) those with
loose parts that might be detached or broken off and swallowed; (3)
small objects which might be swallowed or pushed into the nose or ear,
such as coins, marbles, and safety-pins, also beads and buttons unless
strung upon a stout cord; (4) painted toys; (5) those covered with
hair or wool. Infants have often been severely injured by swallowing
what they have pulled off from their small toy animals.

_What points are to be considered in selecting the toys and playthings
of a child over two years old?_

It should be remembered that toys are not merely a source of
amusement, but that they have an educational value as well. Those are
therefore to be preferred the use of which develops the child's
imagination, and with which he can be taught to amuse himself. For
boys nothing can surpass blocks, toy soldiers, balls, engines, and
cars; and for girls, dolls and housekeeping sets. The complicated
mechanical toys now so much in vogue give only a momentary pleasure,
and