Many mothers do not understand the dual mission of the belly-band. They have the erroneous idea that it must be fastened very tightly over the navel to prevent rupture both before and after the cord comes off. This is a grave mistake, and leads to unnecessary suffering for many children. The belly-band supports the abdomen while the baby is very young and tender, and it protects the bowels from abrupt changes in temperature. It is not a truss nor a surgical instrument, but a protection to the baby’s very delicate organs and system immediately after birth. This fact must be borne in mind by every young mother. Another memory of my untrained motherhood is that of overdressing my babies. Next to my wedding trousseau the most elaborate task of sewing I have ever done was the layette for my first baby. What overtrimmed, useless things were included in this labor of love! And how inconsiderate that first baby was in outgrowing the pretty things I had prepared for his coming! One of the most comforting features of my visits to Better Babies Contests has been the increasing evidence of sanity and consideration in dressing babies. Mothers are gradually being educated up to the point of supplying simple comforts for babies, and frills for where they belong—on pincushion covers! As a rule, prize-winning babies at these contests are simply, sensibly, comfortably dressed. A woman who makes a specialty of supplying layettes offers the following list as amply sufficient for the baby born to a family in good circumstances: 4 unhemmed belly-bands. 4 shirts. 4 nightgowns or wrappers. 4 flannel skirts. 2 simple skirts of nainsook, longcloth, or lawn. 6 slips of nainsook, lawn, or batiste, simply made. 4 pairs of socks or stockings or bootees. 2 dozen diapers, 18 inches square. 2 dozen diapers, 22 inches square. 1 loose warm sacque, knitted or made of French flannel. 1 loose, soft cloak for outdoor wear. 1 soft cap, silk-lined. 1 pair mittens. This list contains every essential, and may be varied according to the taste and pleasure of the mother. However, it may be mentioned in this connection that a large layette of long clothing generally proves a waste of labor and money. The normal baby soon outgrows it, and as styles change in baby’s clothing, as well as in adult raiment, it is now the custom to shorten the baby’s clothes at six months, or even less. Now as to the materials and their fashioning into the adorable little garments: