many days and ofttimes weeks the mother is unfit--physically
unable--properly to care for her child, and so whether it be the
trained assistant in constant attendance or the visiting nurse in her
daily calls, or the kind, willing, but unskilled neighbor--each helper
must acquaint herself, in varying degrees, with the physical, nervous,
and mental needs of the child, as well as take into account and
anticipate the numerous habits and wants of the new born babe, such as
urination, bowel movement, pulse, respiration, temperature, etc.

THE HEAD

At birth, the head is remarkably large as compared to the rest of the
body, for, surprising as it may seem, the distance from the crown to
the chin is equal to the length of the baby's trunk; and, too, if
birth has been prolonged this large head has also been pressed or
squeezed somewhat out of shape. This state of affairs, however, need
give no cause for either alarm or anxiety, for the head will shape
itself to the beautiful rotundity of the normal baby's head within a
few days.

The general shape of the baby's head, as seen from above is oval. Just
back of the forehead is formed a diamond-shaped soft spot known as the
anterior fontanelle which should measure a little more than one inch
from side to side. On a line just posterior to this soft spot and to
the back of the head, is found another soft spot somewhat smaller than
the one in front. Gradual closure of these openings in the bones
occurs, until at the end of six or eight months, the posterior
fontanelle is entirely closed; while eighteen months are required for
the closure of the anterior fontanelle.

These "soft spots" should not be depressed neither should they bulge.
The head is usually covered with a growth of soft, silky hair which
will soon drop out, to be replaced, however, by a crop of coarser hair
in due season. The scalp should always be perfectly smooth. Any rash
or crusts or accumulation of any kind on the scalp is due to
uncleanliness and neglect, and should be carefully removed by the
thorough application of vaseline followed by a soap wash. The vaseline
should be applied daily until all signs of the accumulation are
entirely removed. The eyes of all babies are generally varying tints
of blue, but usually change to a lighter or darker hue by the seventh
or eighth week. The whitish fur which often is seen on the baby's
tongue is the result of a dry condition of the mouth which disappears
as soon as the