f the
fingers and edges of the nails may be painted with a solution of aloes
or quinine. In extreme cases, a splint may be placed on the anterior
bend of the elbow, thus preventing the possibility of raising the hand
to the mouth.

The "sugar teat" of our mother's generation has passed, as has also
the "mumbling" of food for the young child; we no longer give the
babies concentrated sugar, nor do we "chew" our children's food at the
table.

Extreme cases of chalk or dirt eating have been noted; such tendencies
are decidedly abnormal, and require medical attention.

KEEP BABY WARM

Much colic and fretfulness may be avoided if baby is kept warm. The
finger tips are a good thermometer, for if they are warm the feet
usually are. "Bundling" is unnecessary, but careful attention should
be paid to keeping the feet and hands warm without making the child
sweat; that is an art, and all mothers should attain it. An extra
flannel wrapper and a pair of heavy wool booties in the winter are
good warmth producers. Cotton flannel petticoats should be replaced by
warm woolen ones, and when the baby begins to get about on his hands
and knees a pair of loosely fitting wool tights, made from discarded
woolen underwear are of inestimable comfort and value. In the effort
to avoid draughts and body chilling, ever bear in mind baby's need of
fresh air and the dangers of sweating, for the sudden cooling of a
sweating child is a forerunner of pneumonia, cold catching, diarrhoea,
and other troubles.

BABY'S TEMPERATURE

During early infancy, baby's temperature sometimes varies greatly; for
instance, a rectal temperature may register 97.5 or 100.5 F. while the
child may be in perfectly good health.

The baby's temperature should be taken at the rectum--which should
normally register 99.5 F. This temperature, as stated above, may
register 100.5 F., with no other symptoms of illness. In taking rectal
temperature the thermometer should remain in place two minutes.

The groin is the next best place to take the temperature; here the
thermometer should remain five minutes, and the registry is usually a
degree lower than that of the rectum.

The baby's temperature usually is a good guide to the severity of any
illness. In case the temperature runs above 101 F. the physician
should always be notified and his orders carefully followed. Slight
causes often produce a high temperature of 103 to 105 F. for a short
time; but such a temperature