When baby reaches the dress-up stage, for very special occasions, a white cotton skirt, 27 inches long, in nainsook, longcloth, or batiste may be added; but this, too, must be fitted over the shoulders. The first slips worn by the baby should be of the simplest style and in the softest cotton material obtainable. They should be 27 inches long, or just long enough to cover the flannel petticoat. They are made without any trimming. Neck and wrists are finished with plain, flat, narrow bands. The neck is run and tied with fine flat tape. Lace or embroidery will cause irritation of the soft skin and may lead to eczema. If a mother feels that she must trim any of these little slips, let her embroider small designs around the bottom of the skirt, and on the front of the dress far enough below the neck so that even the wrong side of the embroidery cannot touch the flesh. What were once known as “long clothes” are no longer used by intelligent mothers. The christening robe and its fellow-frocks which sweep the floor are now reserved for royal babies on state occasions. For the first few weeks of its life the less the baby is handled the better, and it may sleep in the simple little slip which it wears during the day. This means that its clothes will be changed only once in 24 hours: that is, in the morning, when given its regular bath. In cold weather the outing-flannel wrappers may be drawn over the slips, especially at night. Later the day slips may be removed when the baby is undressed for the night and outing-flannel or stockinette nightgowns may be substituted. The little crocheted or knitted jackets and the kimonas of soft flannel are a concession to the sentiment of the mother rather than to the needs of the baby. If the room is cool during the first few weeks of the baby’s life he may be wrapped lightly in a small woolen shawl or square of flannel, which is more easily adjusted than the jacket or short kimona with sleeves. Be careful not to wind the shawl around tightly. He will fret under the pressure.