_Dressing the child._--After the washing and drying is completed the child must be _dressed_, and this is a process in which comfort and utility is frequently sacrificed to mere fashion and prejudice, as it is in adults. The article next the skin should be of soft line linen, which may be followed by others of warmer material, according to the temperature. They should all be perfectly loose in their make, and quite soft to the feel. As far as possible they should all be fastened with _strings_, rather than _pins_. These metallic points are troublesome to fix, and often injure the child, in spite of every precaution. They are also apt to be referred to as the cause of the child crying, and thus prevents other causes being sought for, which frequently exist. Some people put a thick flannel cap on the head, over a linen one, but others leave this part altogether uncovered, which I think is the best plan. At most there should only be the linen covering; the head being better rather cool than otherwise. The dressing of the cord is the next duty, and this is done by taking several pieces of soft linen, oiled a little, and cutting a small round hole in the middle of each, through which the cord is passed. The linen then lies flat on the abdomen of the child, and the cord on the top of that, the holes being just large enough for it to pass easily through. Five or six pieces are usually put on, but very frequently only one is used, and is found quite sufficient. It should be very fine, and soft. When this is done another layer is laid over the cord, and then a bandage of soft linen, about four or five inches wide, is passed two or three times over it, and round the body. This completes the dressing, and the child may now be wrapped up warmly and laid down to sleep--remembering, as Dr. Chailly remarks, that if it be laid on a chair, or sofa, it may be accidentally sat upon and killed, an accident which has happened. ACCIDENTS WHICH MAY HAPPEN. Before these dressings are needed however, there are frequently other things of more importance to be attended to. If the labor has been long, or the presentation unfavorable, the child may be born _apoplectic_, from the pressure it has received. The face will be puffed up, and of a blue color; the body will be swollen, and the limbs without motion, while the pulsation will scarcely be felt, either over the child's heart or in the cord. It will feel warm, and the limbs will be quite flexible, but still there will be no signs of life. In this case it should be exposed naked to the cool air, and even blown upon; and if that does not resuscitate it the cord may be cut through below the ligature, so as to let out two or three tea-spoonfuls of blood. After this it generally revives, and begins to move, while its face assumes a natural color, and the swelling goes down. The mouth and throat should also be carefully cleaned with a quill feather, of all mucus.