The chest should be well covered with soft flannel, the limbs protected,
but not cramped, the abdomen supported by a band, not too tight. The
clothing should be neither too tight nor too loose. No pins should be
used, but all bands should be fastened to the body. The petticoats should
be supported by shoulder straps.
How should a baby be held during dressing? It should lie on the lap until
quite old enough to sit alone. Draw the clothes over the child's feet and
do not slip them over the head.
Why use the band, and how long should it be worn? It protects the abdomen,
but its main use is to support the abdominal walls in very young infants
and thus prevents rupture. The snug flannel band should not be worn more
than four months. Then in healthy infants a knitted band may be used and
worn up to eighteen months. If the baby is thin and the abdominal organs
are not protected by fat, they may be troubled with diarrhea and need
protection. In such condition, the band may be worn until the third year.