Babies, when cutting teeth, oft cry,
And bite their little thumbs;
Aught they can seize, they'll often try
To carry to their gums.
Some people give them coral bright
With bells all hung together;
And some will give them glass to bite,
Or ivory, or leather.[2]
But things that are so hard as glass
Mamma approves of never;
They grieve and hurt poor babes, alas!
And make them worse than ever.
A nurse should _then_ be very kind
In finding what will please,
A crust of bread, if they're inclined,
Will nourish and not tease.
Their diet should be thought of too,
With care about their dress:
Lancing, when teeth are nearly thro,'
Makes babies suffer less.
[2] The writer was recommended to try a piece of leather, and has found
it to produce less irritation than any of the hard substances so often
used. Some mothers prefer Indian-rubber.