As we look back over these pages of somewhat detailed description of the baby’s care it is borne in upon us that the nursing of this unfailingly delightful and engaging little person has special adjustments and adaptations for different seasons and circumstances. But that on the whole the care of all babies, the year round, resolves itself into the observation of a few general principles, namely: proper feeding; fresh air, rest and quiet; regularity in the daily routine; cleanliness of food, clothing and surroundings; preservation of an even body temperature; consultation with the doctor at regular intervals and also whenever the baby seems ever so little ill. If you are guided constantly by these general principles and apply them conscientiously, you may revel in the satisfying consciousness that you are keeping your pledge to your baby by giving him the best possible start on his life’s journey. CHAPTER XI THE NUTRITION OF MOTHER AND BABY Perhaps you are wondering, just a little, why I devote even a short chapter to the subject of nutrition when I have already given you suggestions about dietaries for yourself and your baby. I am doing so because this question of nutrition is one of such enormous importance in relation to the baby’s future well-being that I want to give it special emphasis. It is probably safe to say that the two most influential factors in creating and maintaining a satisfactory state of health are suitable nutrition and the prevention of infection. Although we shall concern ourselves solely with nutrition, in this chapter, it may be stated in passing that a state of good nutrition goes far toward protecting one from infection. It will help to make the entire matter clearer to explain in the beginning that a state of good nutrition is not necessarily evidenced by one’s being tall nor by being fat. But it is evidenced by normal size and development; sound teeth and bones; hair and skin of normal color and texture; blood of the normal composition; stable nerves; vigor both mental and physical; normally functioning organs; resistance to disease, and above all that indescribable condition which is summed up as a state of general well-being.