about the
neck, in the groin, etc. This is of the utmost importance in very fat
infants.

_If the skin is very sensitive and chafing easily produced, what
should be done?_

No soap should be used, but bran or salt baths given instead.

_How should a bran bath be prepared?_

One pint of wheat bran should be placed in a bag of coarse muslin or
cheese-cloth, and this put in the bath water. It should then be
squeezed for five minutes until the water resembles a thin porridge.

_How should a salt bath be prepared?_

A teacupful of common salt or sea salt should be used to each two
gallons of water.

_How should the buttocks be cared for?_

This is the most common place for chafing, as the parts are so
frequently wet and soiled; hence the utmost pains should be taken that
all napkins be removed as soon as they are wet or soiled, and the
parts kept scrupulously clean.

_If the parts have become chafed, what should be done?_

Only bran and salt baths should be used, and in very severe cases even
these may have to be omitted for a day or two. The parts may be
cleansed with sweet oil and a little absorbent cotton, and the skin
kept covered with a dusting powder composed of starch two parts, boric
acid one part.

_What is prickly heat, and how is it produced?_

It consists of fine red pimples, and is caused by excessive
perspiration and the irritation of flannel underclothing.

_How should it be treated?_

Muslin or linen should be put next to the skin; the entire body should
be sponged frequently with equal parts of vinegar and water, and
plenty of the starch and boric-acid powder mentioned should be used.

CLOTHING

_What are the most essential things in the clothing of infants?_

That the chest shall be covered with soft flannel, the limbs well
protected but not confined, and the abdomen supported by a broad
flannel band, which should be snug but not too tight. It is important
that the clothing should fit the body. If it is too tight it
interferes with the free movements of the chest in breathing, and by
pressing upon the stomach sometimes causes 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?_

No