PREPARING FOR THE BABY
“If I were asked what I considered the chief requisite for the
successful practice of pediatrics I would answer: The education
of the mother. It is impossible to do even fairly good work in
diseases of children without proper home coöperation. A direction
is never followed out so well as when it is understood.”
—DOCTOR CHARLES G. KERLEY.
“Is it not monstrous that the fate of a new generation should be
left to the chances of unreasoning custom, impulse, fancy—joined
with the suggestions of ignorant nurses and the prejudiced counsel
of grandmothers?
“To tens of thousands that are killed, add hundreds of thousands
that survive with feeble constitutions, and millions that grow up
with constitutions not so strong as they should be; and you will
have some idea of the curse inflicted on their offspring by parents
ignorant of the laws of life.”
—HERBERT SPENCER.
“Even the ordinary workman needs an acquaintance with the nature of
his work before an employer will put a task into his hands. But for
the right care of children no training in the mothers, nurses, or
teachers has been considered essential. Consequently the standard
exacted among such persons, instead of being very high, is very
low.”
—DOCTOR NATHAN OPPENHEIM.
=Prenatal Hygiene.= If any baby could supervise the preparation for
his own coming, he would not wait until the last few months before
his advent, that is, any baby who had even moderate ambition for his
comfort, his happiness, and his efficiency.
[Illustration: Approved Baby Clothing and Bassinet.
Diaper fastening at sides. Bassinet allowing ventilation, with green
detachable hood to protect eyes from strong light, and with rod to
grasp.]
He would begin by selecting his grandparents, who would be
high-minded, religious, abstainers, moderate in all their habits,
industrious, neither wealthy nor poverty-stricken, and who would
bring up his father and his mother as members of a family of children
in the same spirit and with foresight for his welfare. He would
direct, during their childhood and adolescence, the physical régime
of his father and mother, which would be simple, natural, regular,
chiefly in the open air, with habitual deep breathing and, especially
for his mother, exercises and clothing that would develop the most
efficient digestion, breathing capacity, back and trunk muscles,
steady nerves, reserve vitality. He would guide their education,
which would include a minimum of traditional junk, parrotlike
mimicry and discipline, and a maximum of real experience, valuable
information, and æsthetic appreciation acquired through personal
exploring, experimenting, judging, creating, with a discipline that
developed self-direction, self-control, and self-reliance.
He would anticipate that his mother and father, with such a heredity
and education, would be high-minded above dissipation and triflings,
sensible beyond unhygienic habits in food and in dress, well-poised
and superior to pettiness and discords, with a radiant love that
maintained an atmosphere of joyousness, graciousness, courage. Having
chosen each other because they loved each other, his father and
mother would live and work and plan because they loved him. Before
they invited him to come, they would have a comfortable home settled,
so his mother could give her chief attention to him and be free to
live much out-of-doors; they would consult their physician and bring
themselves to their best vitality, so he might have the best physical
constitution; and they would make any necessary sacrifice of their
own desires that he might be undisturbed and thus grow steadily and
sturdily until his birthday.
Physical motherhood is a natural, normal biological process. Under
a natural, rational régime it should be a happy experience with a
minimum of discomfort. The essentials, in brief, of such a régime are:
1. Thorough elimination of the increased amount of waste products,
through the skin, lungs, kidneys, and intestines.
2. Strong, flexible trunk muscles.
3. Avoidance of fatigue, undue excitement, unhappiness, muscular
strain; continence.
4. Simple, nourishing diet, carefully balanced, anti-toxic, rich in
minerals, moderate in quantity, with a moderate amount of liquid.
The mother should of course be under the physician’s direction and
observation during the entire period.
=Clothing.= The essentials are freedom and warmth. Maternity clothing
need not be slovenly nor too obviously negligée. Elaborateness may
better be expressed in the maternity clothes than upon the baby
clothes. For dresses and coats a design with fullness at the sides,
in the waist and skirt, with revers, and a high waist line, is
especially good. The materials should be plain, or with a small,
unobtrusive design. Clothing should be ample enough to encourage
rather than prevent a slight perspiration, thus facilitating the
elimination of waste.
The weight of the clothing should come from the shoulders. This is
important in order to prevent any downward pressure upon the internal
organs, as well as to allow for much deep breathing. It is possible
by having a one-piece union suit, a brassiere for attachment of hose
supporters, a combination corset cover and petticoat, and a one-piece
dress.
All the clothing should be comfortably loose, especially any
neckbands, sleeves, gloves, which may well be a size larger, as there
is a slight swelling during this time. No round garters should be
worn, as these impede the circulation in the legs and increase the
possibility of varicose veins. The ankles should be well protected,
because the blood vessels here are very near the surface and easily
chilled, and as the blood returns from the legs to the trunk and
internal organs, internal congestion might result from chilling of
the lower extremities. Shoes should have _low heels_ to prevent
falling and rubber heels to minimize jars.
The corset is a moot question. The woman who has not been accustomed
to wearing one is most fortunate now, for she has been developing
and training the muscles of the back and trunk, which should be
strong and flexible, equal to the special demands made upon them
during the last four months and at the birth. If corsets have been
the custom, it would be most advisable to discard them three or six
months before motherhood is begun, and to give a systematic course
of training to these muscles. Some physicians require their patients
to discard corsets during this time. Their only possible value is
to support the back and the bust, not as support for the abdomen.
They may be harmful by crowding the internal organs, pressing any
organs out of place, interfering with the fullest deep breathing and
internal circulation, keeping the trunk muscles flabby and weak,
compressing the breasts; and thereby causing more discomfort to the
mother, depriving the baby of sufficient oxygen, making the birth
longer and more difficult, and hindering nursing ability. A brassiere
or comfortably fitted muslin waist is an adequate bust supporter;
or a knitted breast binder is procurable which should be applied
loosely enough to cause no compression, which hinders the development
of the nursing glands. After the fourth month, the baby rises from
the pelvis to the abdomen and the waist increases in size. Ordinary
corsets then become especially dangerous. If for any reason a corset
is then worn, it should be a special maternity style, such as the
Ferris maternity waist. During the last month or two, it is advisable
to discard even this corset, and if any support is necessary, to wear
an abdominal supporting band, a knitted, shaped band being especially
comfortable.
=Food.= The careful regulation of the diet and food-taking has vastly
much to do with the comfort of the mother and the sturdiness of the
baby. All the nourishment that the baby receives is derived from
the substances that the mother takes in food and drink, which are
digested in her system and conveyed from her circulation to his. It
is a mistaken idea that the mother is “eating for two” and needs to
increase the quantity. No increase in her normal requirement for
protein or fat is considered either needed or desirable during the
entire nine months, or any increase in carbohydrates until the last
three months. The system cannot use the excess, which thereby only
makes a greater tax upon the organs of elimination or clogs the
system with poisons and overcrowds the abdominal organs. Abundance of
mineral, especially lime, phosphorus, iron, and soda is essential.
During the last three months there is an increase of about one fifth
in the energy requirements, which is best met by an increase in the
carbohydrates not to exceed this proportion. The following table
gives the average dietetic needs of women:
Sleeping 0.4 Calories per hour per pound body weight
Sitting quietly (at
meals, reading,
etc.) 0.6 ” ” ” ” ” ” ”
At light muscular
exercise (dressing,
standing,
walking) 0.8 ” ” ” ” ” ” ”
At active muscular
exercise 1.4 ” ” ” ” ” ” ”
For example, for a woman weighing 125 pounds:
CALORIES
10 hours resting 0.4 × 125 × 10 500
5 ” sitting 0.6 × 125 × 5 375
5 ” light exercise 0.8 × 125 × 5 500
4 ” active exercise 1.4 × 125 × 4 700
————
Total for day 2075
Protein 10%-15% 207-311
Fats 25%-35% 519-539
Carbohydrate 50%-60% 1037-1245
There is only a fraction of an ounce daily increase in the weight of
the baby. A baby weighing 6½ to 7½ pounds at birth is more natural
and easier for the mother than a heavy, fat baby, which is produced
by overeating, overdrinking, and insufficient exercise.
The toxin-free diet, the quantity at one meal, and the time of
meals are matters for careful consideration. During this period
there is an increased production of waste, poisonous substances,
and gases; at the same time there is often an increased tendency
toward constipation. Auto-intoxication consequently results, causing
much discomfort from nausea, headaches, dizziness, melancholia,
nervousness, irritability. Special care should therefore be taken to
select a diet (1)chiefly free from purins, (2)and from stimulants,
(3)higher in base-forming than acid-forming elements, (4)with high
mineral content, especially lime, and (5)laxative. This is done
by omitting, or using very sparingly, meats, coffee, tea, pastry,
fried foods, irritating condiments, vinegar; and by including milk,
buttermilk made with the Bulgarian tablets, cheese, eggs, nuts,
whole-wheat bread, bran bread, green vegetables, salads, fresh and
dried fruits, fruit juices, butter, olive oil. Any food that is
difficult of digestion, or that produces fermentation or gas, should
be omitted.[3]
Enough water should be taken to carry off waste products but not
to unduly increase the body fluids or cause flabbiness of tissues.
With the diet recommended, less water drinking will be necessary than
otherwise, six glasses a day probably being quite ample. This should
be taken at intervals, not more than a small glass at one time, and
not less than half an hour from meal times; fruit juices or milk may
be taken instead of plain water.
Alcohol, even in dilute quantities, is highly injurious to the
delicate nerve cells of the body, and should be avoided, particularly
during this and the nursing period. Patent medicines usually contain
alcohol.
With a well regulated diet, there is less probability of cravings
for unusual or abnormal foods; such cravings may be pampered if for
wholesome foods; if absurd or abnormal, they should be ignored.
During the last four months, and especially the last two, it is
better to take the food in five meals than in three meals. There is
less room in the trunk for the stomach to expand in the movements of
digestion, and it may easily crowd uncomfortably upon the heart. The
heaviest meal should be taken in the middle of the day, and a light
supper two or three hours before bedtime, for adequate digestion and
comfortable sleep. During the last month, the daily diet may well
include one or two pints of milk in some form, because of its ease in
digestion.
=Bathing.= A daily bath is especially important during this period,
because there is so much waste and poison to be eliminated. If the
pores of the skin are not kept clean and open, the kidneys (the work
of which is now much increased) will be overtaxed, or some of the
poison will remain in the system, causing headaches, nausea, and
other discomforts. Very cold or very hot baths are equally to be
avoided. The latter may cause a miscarriage, especially during the
first three months. A woman who is accustomed to a daily cold bath
may continue this as long as there is a good reaction. Surf bathing
is inadvisable because of the low temperature and the muscular
strain; bathing in quiet waters is quite safe. The daily bath should
be warm enough for cleansing (90°-98° F.), followed by a cool sponge
or spray for tonic. A salt bath (one quart of sea or coarse salt
dissolved in a tub of water) is a good tonic. Two baths daily are
permissible, not remaining in the water more than ten minutes. A
vigorous rub with bath mitts, a Turkish towel, or coarse damp salt,
is a further aid to skin elimination. Vaginal douches should never
be used except on the advice of the physician. For sleeplessness,
nervousness, congestion of blood in the head, the neutral (96° F.)
sitz bath combined with a hot foot bath will promote the necessary
equalizing of the circulation.
=Exercise.= Exercise now has two important purposes: the elimination
of waste, and the strengthening of back and abdominal muscles. The
precautions are avoidance of fatigue and of sudden or severe strain
upon the abdominal muscles that might produce a miscarriage. During
the first three months, the placental attachment is relatively
insecure and therefore more easily detached. The certainty of
motherhood cannot be established until the third or fourth month,
although some presumptive symptoms are manifested earlier. The woman
who has left motherhood to chance, and who therefore is not preparing
for necessary care during these earlier months, is the more liable to
a miscarriage through disregard of due precautions.
The ideal for this period would be complete outdoor living, with two
miles of walking each day and plenty of light exercise that could be
dropped at the approach of fatigue. Such a gypsy-like experience is
often removed from usual living conditions. With a little planning,
it could often be approached, however. The investment in such
a vacation would yield =far richer= returns to the baby than an
expensive layette, to say nothing of the increased comfort, ease, and
happiness of the mother. The extreme antithesis of this ideal would
be continuous indoor life with no work to occupy muscles and mind.
The individual mother must plan her environment and her work as
nearly as possible to the ideal. Living in the country with good
roads has the advantage of outdoors. An outdoor sleeping porch is
much to be desired. For indoor sleeping or working, the room should
be thoroughly ventilated with a constant current of fresh outdoor
air, with the temperature not above 68° F. for working, and from 32°
to 60° F. for sleeping. Extra clothing may be worn rather than to
keep the windows closed.
A habit of deep breathing of outdoor air for about ten minutes on
rising, at bedtime, and at several stated times during the day, will
be wonderfully beneficial. The mother is now breathing for two, and
the baby needs much oxygen.
Light household work is beneficial. Long standing, lifting, or
pulling heavy weights, scrubbing on hands and knees, running up and
downstairs, much stooping, working long over a hot stove, the use
of a sewing-machine treadle or a washboard, are harmful. If the
responsibility of the household work rests upon the mother, she
must use her ingenuity to reduce it to its lowest terms of muscular
energy.[4]
Walking is the best athletic exercise, two miles a day being
desirable. It should be taken in easy stages, stopping to rest when
tired, or a part of this distance taken at different times during the
day. Golf, tennis, basketball, skating, horseback riding, bicycle
riding, swimming, rowing, dancing, surf bathing, long rides over
rough roads, involve the risk of overstrain, and should be omitted.
_Special Exercises._ Clothing should always be very loose, especially
around the waist, and the room should be well ventilated, for these
exercises.
_Breathing Exercises._ These should be taken out of doors if
possible; otherwise, at an open window. Breathing should be from the
diaphragm. Repeat each exercise three to six times, or until fatigue
begins.
1. Standing, hands on lowest margin of ribs, thumbs toward back,
fingers few inches apart. Blow the breath out slowly, bending body
forward at hips and pressing in gently with the hands to force out
the air. Return slowly to upright position, breathing in through the
nose gently to utmost capacity. Hold breath ten seconds and repeat
exercise.
2. Stand erect. Take a deep breath, rising on balls of feet,
extending arms out at side, shoulders high, hands clenched and
describing small circles, as though boring. Hold ten seconds, then
gently drop arms, blowing out the breath as long as possible.
3. Lying on the back, hold one nostril closed and breathe in slowly
and deeply through the other. Hold the breath five or ten seconds,
close the second nostril, and breathe out through the first. Repeat,
breathing in through the first and holding the second closed; hold
the breath, close the first, and breathe out through the second. This
is a soothing exercise.
_Trunk Exercises._ Any one not accustomed to these exercises should
consult the physician before beginning them during this period. All
exercises should be done slowly, with no jerking movements.
For overcoming constipation, improving the tone, elasticity, and
strength of the abdominal muscles.
1. Lie flat on the back, arms at the sides. Raise the right arm
slowly, keeping it parallel with the body, describing a half circle
until it rests on the bed or floor, above the head. Repeat with the
left arm. Bring each arm slowly back to position. (Figure 2.)
2. Same position. Raise the right foot, keeping the toes pointed
forward, bending the knee until it touches the abdomen. Repeat with
the left foot. May be repeated ten times or until fatigued. (Figure
1.)
3. Same position. Bend knees; draw the abdominal wall in and out
slowly by muscular effort, without the assistance of deep breathing.
4. Same position. Lift the trunk from the floor, resting the weight
on shoulders and hips.
5. Sit or stand, hands on hips. Twist the body slowly to the right
and slowly return to position. Repeat, twisting to the left.
6. Walk up and down stairs moderately with a springing step, holding
the body erect, shoulders straight, chest expanded, mouth closed,
weight on balls of feet.
These simplest and easiest exercises may be continued throughout this
period or may be commenced at any time.
The following exercises are more strenuous and should be used
cautiously during the first three and last two months by those not
accustomed to exercise. The physician should be consulted before
using them during this time. They are profitably begun six months
beforehand and are valuable for ordinary conditions of life.
7. Lie on the back, arms at sides. Raise both arms together, as in
Exercise 1. Bring arms back slowly to sides.
8. Same position. Raise the right foot, toes pointed forward, knee
straight till leg is at right angles with trunk; hold position ten
seconds and lower foot slowly. Repeat with left foot. Raise both feet
together. (Figure 2.)
9. Lying flat on back, hands on chest or clasped behind head, feet
held down under a chiffonier or by an attendant, come to sitting
position without assistance of hands or elbows. (Figure 4.)
10. Lie on the back, grasp the rounds of the headboard and gently
pull the body toward the head of the bed. Push with the feet against
the footboard, or other non-resisting surface.
The knee-chest position is a most valuable exercise. It relieves the
abdominal pressure, and therefore any swelling in the legs from such
pressure, or any prolapsis of internal organs, bearing-down feelings,
backache, disturbed pelvic circulation. It may be taken a few minutes
at a time, several times a day. Sleeplessness will often be relieved
by taking this position for a few minutes and then lying down. Kneel
on the floor or other unyielding surface. Lay the side of the face
down on this surface, with the shoulder of that side as near the
knees as possible, keeping the upper leg from knee to hip at right
angles with the floor. Weight may be supported on forearms placed at
right angles to the body.
A good posture should always be maintained when sitting or standing;
especially avoid letting the chest sink in. Whenever possible in
sitting, especially after meals, elevate the feet, thus preventing
varicose veins and swelling in the legs.
=Sleep.= Much sleep is needed. From eight to ten hours’ sleep at
night is essential, and a nap or rest in the afternoon, about an hour
after the midday meal. By following the régime previously given,
undisturbed sleep is likely to be the rule. The mother should sleep
alone, and preferably in a room by herself. A little pillow under
the small of the back is very comfortable, and during the last four
months, an additional pillow under the shoulders.
=Teeth, Hair, Eyes.= The teeth should have been examined and put
in good condition before the beginning of this period. During the
entire time they should be brushed carefully after every meal, and
the mouth rinsed with an alkaline wash, such as milk of magnesia or
soda bicarbonate. The scalp should be massaged every day during the
last two months and the two succeeding months, to prevent the hair
falling out. The eyes should be examined three months after the birth.
=Prenatal Influences.= Life begins when the germ cells unite, and
from that time the mother is the guardian of a living, though
immature child. By the end of the third month the form and features
are complete, though in miniature, the weight is about four ounces
and the length about three inches. The study of development before
birth is called embryology. So far as scientific research has been
able to discover, there are no nerve cells connecting the nervous
system of the mother with that of the child. Notwithstanding
superstitions and folklore to the contrary, it is scientifically
known that she cannot give her child a Greek nose by looking at
classic pictures, an ape face through seeing some disagreeable
sight, or musical genius by attending concerts. Anatomical form and
mental traits are matters of heredity, as previously stated, and
these factors are settled forever when the germ cells unite. The
sex is also determined at that time, apparently depending upon the
sex-determining factors in the germ cells. Hundreds of theories (such
as the diet or the condition of the parents) have been suggested for
influencing the sex of the child, but none of these is as yet proven
true, and certainly no such influence can have any effect after the
germ cells have united. “Birthmarks,” such as red or blue spots,
are probably due to some interference with the blood supply during
development.
[Illustration: Approved Crib, Scales, Nursery Table. Holding the
Baby, Supporting Head and Back.]
The mother is influencing the child during the entire nine months,
through the blood supply. If she indulges in fear, anger, melancholy
(dark emotions that develop poison in the blood), if she
over-eats, or takes alcohol, if she neglects deep breathing, daily
bathing, elimination, exercise, she is impoverishing and poisoning
the blood supply, and the quality of her child’s bodily and mental
characteristics will suffer. If she lives a wholesome life, following
a régime that continuously eliminates poisons and gives abundant
nourishment and oxygen, with the cultivation of peace, cheer,
courage, joy (emotions that promote good circulation and a wholesome
blood stream), she is providing good nourishment and enhancing the
quality of her child’s life.
It is for the comfort of the mother and for the welfare and beauty of
the child that the mother should be sacredly reserved for her work
during this and the nursing period.
A normal woman whose physical life through her childhood and
adolescence has been well regulated should have an easy experience. A
certain amount of discomfort and mental depression is to be accepted
as a matter of course, but the greater care now given to physical
hygiene would naturally increase health and vitality. Concerts,
plays, lectures, and social gatherings (except where these would
involve crowds and ill-ventilated, overheated rooms), reading,
music, play, should all be part of her life during this time. The
joy of anticipation gives the singing heart and makes this a time of
beatitude, of weaving of dreams such as no other experience in life
can give.
The preparation of the nursery and the baby clothes is part of the
joyous experience. This may well begin early, that it may proceed
leisurely, without sense of haste, and with its full measure of
satisfaction. Simplicity, cleanliness, economy in care, daintiness,
are the keynotes.
=The Nursery.= Room. It is desirable that the baby should have a room
alone. If this is not possible, his room should be equipped for the
nursery, and only the mother or nurse should sleep in the same room.
Sunny exposure is essential. Second floor is preferable, for dryness,
and freedom from cats and dogs. A covered, sunny veranda for outdoor
sleeping is most desirable. The room should be ventilated from two
sides, and preferably with open fireplace.
Floor. Washable, either painted, oiled or waxed, _never carpeted_.
Small size washable rugs.
Walls. Washable, either painted or covered with Sanitas, at least to
wainscot four feet high. Soft, plain, neutral tone; buff, warm gray
or medium green.
Curtains. Both light and dark shades; sheer, washable curtains, plain
or figured scrim; no heavy window draperies or portières.
Heating. Preferably hot-water heater, with open fireplace for
occasions. Steam and hot-air systems lack a sufficient amount of
moisture, and are subject to sudden changes in temperature. Gas or
kerosene stoves consume the oxygen and should not be used in the
nursery. Coal stoves should be carefully watched to avoid poisonous
gases from imperfect combustion, or sudden changes in temperature.
Large open basins of fresh water should be kept in the room in
winter, to supply humidity.
Lighting. A dim, shaded light for night use, lit only when needed.
Nursery should be dark at night; daylight soft but not darkened,
during first two weeks; ordinary lighting thereafter during waking
hours, softened but not dark during daytime sleep.
Nursery Equipment
Chiffonier for clothes and toilet equipment
Low chair or rocker without arms
[Illustration: Approved Shoes and Baby Carriage.]
Basket or bassinet for first four or six months, with stand; high
bassinet stands are now procurable
Iron or brass crib, high sides, plain round tubing without
ornamentation, _narrow_ spaces between bars, one side to be lowered
High folding screen with detachable, washable covering for wings; a
firm-standing clotheshorse four feet high answers also for a clothes
rack; covering of muslin, cheesecloth, or china silk, attached with
tapes when needed
Nursery table for dressing, with plain, round legs and a six-inch
ledge securely screwed on; edges and corners of ledge preferably
rounded. An ordinary kitchen table with drawer answers very well. A
carpenter can make and attach the ledge.
One or two small low tables, with rounded legs, for bathtub and bath
accessories
Folding tables economize space. Firm, round tables can be used later
for the child’s dining and play.
_For bassinet_: Four-fold cotton blanket or table felting as
mattress; or 6-inch pad filled with clean silk floss, hair, straw,
or chaff
3 absorbent pads, quilted or of table felting
4 to 6 sheets, cotton for summer, soft outing flannel (all cotton)
for winter
1 or 2 knitted afghans, or blankets of eiderdown or three-quarter
wool
_For crib_: Hair or silk floss mattress; for economy, clean straw
may be used.
2 absorbent pads
4 to 6 sheets, cotton or outing flannel
1 or 2 knitted spreads, or eiderdown quilts or three-quarter wool
blankets
1 or 2 piqué or dimity counterpanes
Papricloth nursery blankets, or light-weight rubber sheeting, to
protect mattresses
2 pads of hair or straw ½ inch thick, 9 × 12 inches
3 to 6 cotton slips for pads
6 to 12 square or triangular pads, 12-inch size, quilted,
stockinet, or table felting
1 rubber lap protector, detachable piqué or flannel slips
1 yard dark green sateen for bassinet canopy
2-3 yards cheesecloth, dimity, or china silk for one end and side
of crib
50 yards cheesecloth, six to ten cents a yard, for diapers, face
cloths
3 sizes of safety pins with safety fasteners
Nursery scales, common beam type, not spring type commonly sold for
nursery, which are difficult to read and unreliable
Bathtub, enamel or tin most practicable. Rubber is soft and
adaptable, but soon outgrown, and baby cannot kick or splash so
well. After five or six months, the baby may be bathed in the large
bathtub.
Room thermometer, Fahrenheit
Bath thermometer, Fahrenheit; red or blue indicator easier to read
than mercury
1 or 2 small white enamel hand basins, one of these kept
exclusively for diapering
1 largest size white enamel or agate bucket with cover, for diapers
1 2-quart pitcher
1 4-quart pitcher
1 3-ounce package lysol
1 pound boracic acid (powder)
1 pound powdered borax
Small hand scrub brush
Small hot-water bottle or thermophore
Smallest size china or enamel cuspidor
Nurse’s apron with bib
Bath apron of knitted goods, stockinet, or heavy Turkish toweling
Light-weight detachable rubber sheeting apron to wear under bath
and nursery aprons
6 wash cloths, 8-inch square, of soft old table linen, stockinet,
knitted, or four-fold cheesecloth
2 largest size soft Turkish bath towels
2 medium, soft linen towels
2 soft face towels, of old table linen or toweling
Package tissue paper napkins
Wooden box with hinged cover, or enamel tray, for bath accessories,
as follows:
a. Baby’s soft hairbrush b. Celluloid or ivory soap box with cover
c. Small semi-blunt scissors d. 2 6-ounce glass jars with screw
tops, to hold sterilized gauze and cotton e. Cake pure Castile or
Palmolive soap f. 2-ounce bottle liquid albolene or sterilized
olive oil g. 2-ounce bottle liquid vaseline h. 2-ounce bottle grain
alcohol i. 2-ounce bottle saturated solution of boracic acid (made
from powder) j. 2-ounce bottle 2% boracic acid k. Small box zinc
ointment l. Small tube cold cream m. Shaker-top powder-box, with
powder made of 1 ounce oxide of zinc, 1 ounce cornstarch or rice
powder, 1 ounce boracic acid n. Small package absorbent cotton
(kept in covered jar) o. Sterilized cheesecloth cut in 3-inch
squares (kept in covered jar)[5]
Baby Carriage. High; not less than 14 inches wide, and 28 inches
long, inside measurements; wood body preferable to reed or rattan
(latter should be kept free from dust by frequent cleaning);
detachable, washable covering to upholstery; good springs, brake,
rubber tires; porous hood with lining dark green, brown, or gray to
protect eyes (never white), ventilated by holes near top or by side
curtains; ample drop for feet when baby is sitting up; reversible
body or handles desirable.
Baby Pen. The nursery table or crib will answer until the sitting
stage, at five or six months, and the crib until the creeping or
climbing stage, at seven or nine months. A pen four to six feet
square gives room for tumbling and creeping. It should have a wood
bottom, preferably of slats loosely joined (for flexibility). Raised
six inches above the floor, to escape drafts; sides made of slats or
plain round rods 4 inches apart, 2½ feet high; edges rounded; clean
detached quilt or table felting over floor. Sides may be hinged
to fold away. A large packing box, sides padded, raised on 6-inch
blocks, may be used for economy. The light-weight pens, resting on
the floor, usually found in the shops, are drafty and inadvisable.
=Harmful Equipment.= The following have no place in a baby welfare
nursery:
All unsanitary germ holders, such as sponge, powder puff, basket
trimmings, open or porous toilet basket, pacifier, veil.
Rubber or other waterproof diapers, because they are unavoidably
heating and irritating; feathers, because too heating; linen
sheets, which are cold and chilling.
Pinning bands or swaddling clothes, which prevent the activity so
essential for growth.
Cradles or rocking bassinets, which are injurious to the nerves.
Baby-walkers, because they keep the baby too long on his feet
and legs when he needs the intermittent rest of lying down while
learning to walk; they retard his confidence in walking alone, and
are a cause of dangerous falls.
Low go-carts and sulkies, which keep the baby in the low strata
of dust and germ-laden air, and which are frequently badly
proportioned for good posture.
Soothing syrups, patent medicines, paregoric, whiskey, brandy; they
are all poisonous.
Patent artificial foods; they are expensive and an inefficient
makeshift.
[Illustration: Drugs and Unsanitary Appliances.]
[Illustration: Unhygienic Equipment and Unsatisfactory Scales.]
Clothing List for First Six Months.
MINIMUM MODERATE
2 3 knitted binders with tapes to tie
2 4 knitted shirts. double-breasted,
size 2
2 4 flannel Gertrude petticoats
1 2 nainsook Gertrude petticoats
2 4 dozen cheesecloth diapers, 1 yard
square, sterilized
2 2 dozen stockinet or cotton bird’s-eye
diapers, 22-inch, sterilized
3 4 nightgowns: soft crepon, long
cloth, nainsook, or Viyella
flannel
3 6 plain slips: soft crêpe, crepon,
long cloth, or nainsook
1 2 fine slips: nainsook, dimity, soft
lawn, batiste, or linen
1 3 wrappers: cashmere, challie,
flannel, or albatross
1 2 sacks: knitted, flannel, challie, or
cashmere
1 1 kimono-sleeve wrap: cashmere,
flannel, eiderdown, or broadcloth.
Separate padded lining
(cheesecloth or china silk) for
cold weather
1 2 bonnets: nainsook, lawn, china
silk, or silk knitted (open mesh)
for summer. Flannel, broadcloth,
cashmere, or loosely
knitted for cool weather.
Quilted detachable lining of
cheesecloth or china silk for
cold weather
1 hood shawl: flannel, or cashmere
1 2 shawls: flannel or knitted
1 4 pair long hose: cotton for summer
Merino for cool weather
1 2 pair bootees: porous, not heavy
Knitted binders are more elastic than flannel.
Cotton bird’s-eye, or cheap outing flannel diapering is warmer and
more absorbent than linen or canton flannel; stockinet is best.
Cotton material for slips, and lace or embroidery for trimmings,
should be _very soft_.
Viyella flannel, which is half wool and non-shrinking, is most
satisfactory; loosely woven flannel, half wool, with silk or cotton,
is soft, shrinks little, and is warmer than heavy, close weaves.
Outing or Shaker flannel is all cotton; the soft nap is highly
inflammable.
Crêpe, crepon, and woolens, should be shrunk before making.
Knitted shawls, jackets, and quilts are warmer and lighter than woven
fabrics; avoid colors unless guaranteed non-fading.
For the knitted (ready-made) shirts, some authorities prefer all
cotton, others part wool. All wool is never advisable, as the
baby’s skin is very sensitive, and furthermore, all wool shrinks
badly. For most babies, under average conditions, one-quarter wool,
three-quarters cotton or silk is advised. In very warm weather, all
cotton is better. In very cold climates, half or three-quarters
wool may be advisable. Silk has no special advantage over cotton.
Babies with very delicate skin, eczema, or any rash should never have
wool next the skin. Some manufacturers now make part wool knitted
underwear, having only the cotton thread next the skin, wool outside.
The binder is worn only two or three weeks, as a protector to the
navel until it is healed. It should be fastened comfortably, _not
tight_. With delicate babies or those out of doors in cold weather,
a band with shoulder straps may be worn as a substitute during the
first year, although this is unnecessary with a double-breasted
shirt. The Vanta binders and shirts (double-breasted), fastening
with twistless tape instead of buttons, are especially satisfactory.
[Illustration: Kimono Coat, Raglan Sleeve Slip, Kimono Slip.]
[Illustration: Knitted Shirt and Band. Shaped Diapers. Diaper
Fastening with Tapes.]
[Illustration: Gertrude Petticoat. Kimono Nightgown Fastening with
Snaps.
FOR THE LAYETTE.]
_Making._ Preparation of the baby clothes should be a joy and not a
worry or burden. Let them be simple, moderate in quantity.
The kimono or raglan sleeve gowns, wrappers, and coats are much
easier to put on and off than the set-in sleeve. By liberal measure
under the shoulders, the sleeve will not pull out; a gathering string
at the cuff for little babies will keep the hand from slipping out.
All seams should be flat.
Seams on woolen garments should be felled or edges featherstitched
flat. Armhole and neck of flannel garments should be covered with
soft seam-binding or turned back ¼ inch and raw edge stitched down
or featherstitched; never turn under, as this makes a ridge. At hem
of flannel petticoat, raw edge need not be turned in but may be
featherstitched flat.
Sleeves may be turned back in a 2-inch hem for first months.
Edge of dress sleeves and neck may be finished with a ⅛-inch hem with
featherstitching, or a narrow Armenian or val lace, or soft batiste
embroidery, whipped on; or twistless tape or wash ribbon ¼ to ½ inch
wide, may be run through facing or beading at neck and one or two
inches from edge of sleeve.
Fine gathers or tucks may be made in the front and back of slips to
form a yoke; these may be taken out later as the baby grows.
Beading, or buttonholed eyelets two inches apart, for wash ribbon
sash, may be made in dresses, thus forming a yoke; leave garment
loose two inches each side of under-arm seam.
Maximum length allowable for dresses and petticoats, 27 inches;
minimum, 22 inches; hems, 1 to 3 inches.
Neckbands, 9½ inches at birth to 10 inches at 6 months.
Sleeve bands should be 8 to 12 inches long.
Average length of infant, neck to soles, at birth, is 16 inches; at 6
months, 24 inches.
Set-in sleeves, small cuffs, small neckband, tiny buttons, make
dressing difficult. Gathering string of twistless tape or ribbon,
with beading, at sleeves and neck, are recommended, or ample
neckbands.
Kohinoor snappers are preferable to buttons, using care in laundering
to prevent bending. If sewed on to linen tape, which can be used as a
facing for material, there is less strain on goods.
=Short Clothes.= Clothes are usually shortened at four months in
summer or six months in winter, keeping about the same models.
Rompers are convenient after creeping begins. The English use diaper
drawers knitted of soft wool.
Leather moccasins, made after the Indian model, with _seams outside_,
are the best footgear until the walking stage, at twelve to fifteen
months.
FOOTNOTES:
[3] See Chapter IX.
[4] See Chapter III.
[5] See page 363.