should be made large enough so that they may be used during the entire
first year (the plait in the front can easily be taken out when the
baby is six months old so that it may be used much longer than if the
yoke is made without a plait). For the hot summer months, the yokes
should be a thin cotton material without sleeves; and, if the baby is
housed in an over-heated apartment, this fact should be borne in mind
and the winter skirt should be made accordingly. We have found,
however, that the baby who is amply protected and uniformly dressed,
does not require the outer bundlings that the poorly dressed child
requires. Part wool and cotton materials are very comfortable in the
overheated city apartments. White skirts are not necessary for small
babies. They only add extra weight and it is always foolish to put
anything on a small baby simply for looks.

NIGHTGOWNS, WRAPPERS, AND SLIPS

The nightgowns should be made of soft cotton flannel or stockinet. The
latter is really the better, and can be purchased in sizes up to two
years; it is absorbent, easily laundered, and may be conveniently
drawn up at the bottom by means of a drawstring.

At least seven nightgowns are needed. A fresh nightgown should be used
each day and each night during the first four or five weeks of baby's
life; while as he gets older (two or three years), the night drawers
with feet in them are used to advantage.

The wrappers are usually made of challis, nun's veiling, cashmere, or
other light woolen materials which can be readily washed. They are
very serviceable to wear over the baby's thin slips and on cool nights
they may be used over the nightdress. They should be simply made,
containing no heavy seams, and at the neck there should be the
simplest kind of a soft band that will in no way produce friction or
in any other way irritate the baby's skin.

Slips are usually made of some very soft material such as nainsook,
batiste, pearline, or sheer lawn cloth. Twenty-seven inches is the
length that will be found both comfortable and convenient. All laces,
ruffles, and heavy bands which will scratch or irritate should be
avoided as eczema is often caused by such mistakes.

SLEEPING BAG

The sleeping bag is of inestimable value, affording extra and secure
covering for the child, and peace of mind for the mother. In the early
weeks it should be made of light flannel, but as the child gets older
the sleeping blanket is made according to il