View report page

36
A child may be thirsty, and water may stop its crying. Do
not give extra milk.
Never give sweets or food between meals; they ruin teeth and
stomach.
Cleanliness, Clothing, and Care.
Dummy Teats or Comforters should not be used. Biting a
bone ring does no harm.
Wash the eyes every day. If they discharge wipe them with
clean cotton wool and burn it at once; it may be infectious. If
anything is wrong hurry to the doctor; otherwise the child may be
blinded for life.
Bathe the child once a day before the fire, dry it well, and put
on warmed clothes. Wash the mouth out with clean rag in warm
water. Change wet napkins as soon as possible, sponge with warm
water, dry thoroughly, put on dry warmed napkins. Never wash
napkins in soda-water, as they make the baby sore.
Clothing should be light and warm, with flannel or wool next
the skin, coveiing its body, arms, and legs; never use flannelette; it
catches fire. Flannel binders, long-sleeved flannel gowns, and
long-sleeved woollen vests will prevent a chill. Never put on a stiff
white binder; it prevents the chest expanding.
Always let an infant have fresh air to breathe, with windows
open day and night, even in cold weather. If fine let the infant
sleep in its "pram" out of doors all day in a sheltered corner.
Protect its eyes from the sun. Never keep it out after sunset.
Always avoid draughts and sudden chills.
Infants must sleep ailone, otherwise they are often suffocated;
if there is no cot, a box or drawer may be used. Put hot bottle or
brick, wrapped in flannel, not too near the feet in cold weather.
For "thrush" rub the inside of the mouth with a clean rag
dipped in glycerine and borax before and after each meal.
Teething powders, soothing syrups, gin and other spirits are
poisonous, and must only be given by the doctor's orders.
Keep the bowels open every day. Olive-oil is better than
castor-oil, as it does not constipate afterwards. The motions should