many ways in a home where there
is a baby--it should therefore be procured wherever possible. The room
should be warm; there should be no draughts. The mother or nurse should
cultivate the habit of bathing baby quickly and with system. Everything
should be ready and at hand. A little salt in the water will tend to
strengthen the skin; it will also relieve any superficial rashes or
excoriations which may be on the skin. Four tablespoonfuls to a gallon
of water will be sufficient. The sea salt sold in the stores may be used
in lesser quantities.

By the end of the fifth month the temperature of the water may be
reduced to 95 deg. F., and by the end of the first year to 90 deg. F. After the
first year the mother should accustom the child to a quick sponge with
cool water on the chest and spine immediately after the bath. This
simple means, if kept up, will often prevent the development of colds
and bronchial troubles so common to children in temperate latitudes.

The best time to give the warm bath is at night. In the morning a cold
sponge bath is desirable. This should be given as described in the
chapter on cold sponge or shower baths.

In certain children bathing seems to depress their entire system. They
do not react well even to a warm bath. They remain blue or pale around
the mouth and eyes; bathing should therefore be carefully undertaken
with these children until such time as they acquire strength.

CLOTHING OF BABY.--The baby should wear a woolen shirt, with a high neck
and long sleeves. The abdominal binder may be worn for the first three
months. It is not necessary after that time. If worn longer the habit is
acquired and chronic indigestion may ensue when it is ultimately taken
off. If the baby is very thin it may be wise to leave it on, simply for
its warming effect, for a few months longer. If the child is normal and
healthy the binder should be left off permanently after three months.
The band for the first four weeks should be made of plain flannel; after
this period a knitted band with shoulder straps is the better article.
All petticoats and skirts should be supported from the shoulders.
Stockinet is a good material for diapers; it is soft, warm, and pliable.

Baby's feet should be warm always. Cold feet are frequently responsible
for colic and gastro-intestinal troubles. A hot water bottle should be
placed in the carriage if the weather is cold, but care should be taken
to see that it does not touch