ter into the sport and frolic of a cool bath. Baths are called tonic
because they call forth from the body a reaction--a sort of
circulatory rebound. This rebound or reaction brings the blood to the
skin, increases the circulation, and tones up the nerves. The room
should be properly warmed and, if necessary, some form of exercise be
continued after the bath to prevent the chill that sometimes follows a
poorly administered bath.

In the case of the anemic child, after six months of age, the mother's
hand dipped in cold water may briskly rub the chest and back until it
glows or becomes red. The child should enjoy this bath. Never frighten
a child by throwing cold water on it or by giving it a too sudden cold
plunge; great harm may be permanently done by these efforts to
"toughen the baby."

The simple medicated baths may be administered according to the
following directions:

_Salt._ Use half a teacup of common salt or sea salt to each gallon of
water. The salt should first be dissolved in a cup of warm water to
prevent the sharp particles from pricking the skin. The doctor
sometimes orders a salt bath.

_Starch._ Add a cup of ordinary, cooked laundry starch for every
gallon of water in the bath.

_Soda._ A soda bath requires two tablespoons of ordinary baking soda
to a gallon of water, dissolving it in a little water before adding it
to the bath.

_Bran._ Make a cotton bag of cheesecloth or other thin material, six
inches square. Fill loosely with bran. Soak the bag in the bath water,
squeezing it frequently until the water becomes milky.

Starch, soda, and bran baths are often used in place of the ordinary
soap and water bath when the skin is inflamed, as in cases of chafing
or prickly heat.

FEAR OF BATHS

Force and harshness are not likely to cause baby to overcome very much
of the fear of a tub bath. Patience, perseverance, and purposeful
diversion of mind will bring sure results.

In the case of a very young baby, have a helper stretch a towel across
the filled baby tub, lay the baby in it, with its head well supported,
and then gently lower the towel into the water, keeping the head out.
(Most anyone would fear an all-over ducking, if he had ever been
completely ducked into water by a careless or mischievous friend).

In the case of older children, celluloid ducks, fish, or boats may
float about on the water, and the entire bath be forgotten by the
little fellow's enjoyment of "his boats."

OU