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149
Do not give "soothing" syrups, powders, or mixtures.
Most of them contain dangerous drugs.
Mothers should themselves avoid drugs while nursing,
as many are secreted in the milk when taken by mother.
Infants take exercise by kicking. Give them every
chance of kicking by placing them safely on a bed —or,
safer, on a rug on the floor, when they are free from napkins, &c.
See the room is warm.
Fresh Air.—Take baby out as much as possible. In
warm, fine weather, as early as the beginning of the second
week; in cold weather at beginning of the fourth week. No
child does well if confined to hot rooms.
Sleep.—Young infants require long periods of sleep.
After each meal sleep should be encouraged by placing the
infant in a warm cot in a quiet and darkened room. The upper
sash of the window should be open several inches. For the
first few months baby cannot have too much sleep. After six
months of age an infant should sleep from 10 o'clock at night
to 6 o'clock in the morning. It must also have a good sleep
during the day. During the summer time baby should sleep
outdoors in the fresh air as much as possible, care being taken to
protect it from the sun's glare.
Remember the world is new to baby. Avoid excitement
by showing it to too many visitors. Excitement interferes with
its progress.
Clothing.—Infants are far more susceptible to the influence
of cold than adults. They must be well protected by warm
clothing. Loose woollen garments should be used, such as
flannel or knitted articles. Take care to protect the whole of
the body except the face and the hands.