=Speech.= When six or seven months old a baby begins to try to utter words and will usually be able to say a few words when nine or ten months old. The average child, however, does not begin to form sentences of more than two or three words until he is about eighteen months or two years of age. [Illustration: THE BABY’S BED] =Baby’s bed.= The newborn baby sleeps about nine tenths of the time. He should have a bed by himself. The first bed may be made in an ordinary clothes basket or in a light box. Table padding makes a good mattress if folded to six thicknesses, because it is easily laundered and is inexpensive. When washed it should be dried out of doors in the sunshine. If the material used in the crib mattress is excelsior, it should be made as smooth as possible, with a soft pad placed on top of it. Curled hair is more expensive, but is light, cool, and easily cleansed. The crib mattress should always be protected by a piece of rubber sheeting covered with a soft pad. The baby’s bed should be raised at least twelve inches from the floor to escape drafts. =Pillows.= The baby’s head should not be elevated, as he will take more air into his lungs when no pillow is used. If the mother wishes, she may place a folded soft cloth under the baby’s head. =Birth registration.= See that the baby’s birth is promptly and accurately registered. Later he may need his birth certificate to prove his 1. Identity 2. Legitimacy 3. Right to inherit property 4. Right to enter school 5. Right to seek employment 6. Right to vote 7. Right to hold office 8. Privilege to travel in other countries