The Mother and Her ChildSadler, William S. (William Samuel)
Science
The Mother and Her Child
Sadler, William S. (William Samuel)
Child care; Infants -- Care; Infants -- Health and hygiene; Pregnancy
Never allow anyone to manipulate or "break down" a swollen breast in a
girl or boy baby during the first week or two. This swelling occurs
often and should not be interfered with. A hot compress of boracic
acid solution may be applied, after which a piece of sterile gauze
should be placed over the swollen part and held on by a muslin
bandage. Secure medical attention if the swelling does not go down in
a day or two.
VISITING
Unless absolutely necessary, babies should not be taken on trains and
street cars; nor should they take long journeys into the country to
attend "reunions." Infections accompany crowds, and baby is far better
off at home, in the quiet of his natural surroundings, than he is in
the dust, closeness, and bustle of illy ventilated cars, streets,
shops, movies, or even at church. Many an infant has been sacrificed
by a train journey to "show him off" to the fond grandparents; scores
of babies acquire whooping cough at the movies; and many a baby has
nearly lost his life by catching measles, scarlet fever, or diphtheria
at church; while the only thing accomplished by the church experiment
was the spoiling of the entire service by its fretful, tired cry--the
infant's only means of protest.
THE RUNABOUT BABY
"Runabouts" are the little folks between the age of one and three
years, and they require good care, good feeding, and warm and
comfortable dressing.
In general, they need the same fresh air, daily outings, and daily
naps of the younger child. Their hands need washing oftener, and their
clothing, which is usually a play romper, should be either of white or
fast colors that it may be most thoroughly boiled, thus getting a
good disinfection. Their eyes, nose, and ears, as well as the genital
organs, all require the most rigid daily cleanliness.
The "bugbear" second summer need not be feared by the mother who takes
particular care to see that:
1. The drinking water is boiled or distilled.
2. The orange is not overripe.
3. The banana is not underripe or overripe and is not eaten
in chunks.
4. The milk is fresh and pasteurized.
5. The baby does not eat candy, ice cream, or other forbidden
foods.
6. The baby's bowels move daily.
7. He does not remain dirty.
8. He naps daily.
9. He is protected from dust, flies, flees, and mosquitoes.
10. He does not go visiting, to church, shops, or "movies."
The second summer is no harder than the first, as good clean water,
easily digested foods, and good general hygiene are all a baby needs
at this time. A large army of little folks grow up in spite of the
little care they get and the place in which they live. Did they not
possess good vital resistance, sound nerves, and good digestion, the
children of the "slums" and of the "ghetto" would quickly succumb to
their unhygienic surroundings.
TOYS
In selecting toys for the infant, it must be borne in mind that they
will be put to the mouth, and hence they should not be:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account