THE QUADRUPLETS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 278, 6 September 1935, Page 3

THE QUADRUPLETS

NOW SIX MONTHS OLD.

BRIGHT AND HEALTHY BABIES

There is no doubt that the people ol Dunedin take something akin to a parental interest in the Johnson quadruplets, and as the babies will he six months old to-day, a representative ol the “Otago Daily Times” visited the Truby King-Harris Hospital to inquire after their health. Four fine thriving babies, full of life, Health and vigour, were presented for inspection by the proud nurses who take a very real interest in the welfare oi their young charges. There was a big difference between these clear-eyed, pinkcheeked and firm bodied infants and the tiny premature babies which were admitted to the hospital two days after birth, and the change was a. most convincing testimonial to the efficiency of the Truby King method of infant feeding and care. A comparison between the weights of the babies on admission and at the most recent registration shows what striking progress has been made. Weight. Weight, on admission, at present. Bruce ... 41b Kathleen ... 31b Mary ... 31b lOjoz 111 b 4oz Vera ... 41b 121 b The Daily Round. All tho babies, said the matron (Miss E. Hilditcb) are truly good-natured and, thanks to their training, are so regular in their habits that one could almost set the clock by them. Their daily lives commence at 6 a.m., when they are wakened alter having slept soundly all night on the large, airy balcony, a corner of which is reserved for them. They are carried into the nursery and here they are given the first meal of the day. Invariably they have to be wakened to be fed. Following this meal, they are tucked in their sleeping baskets and put back on to the balcony, where they sleep again, usually until 9 a.m. Should they waken before this they are quite content to lie and look about them. There is no question oi someone having to be alongside all the time to “mind tho baby.” From 9 to 10 a.m. is a busy time for the nurses, as it is for most mothers, for this is bath time, but in this case there are four babies and not only one to be bathed and clothed for the day.

At lialf-past 10 the day’s toilet is over, and the second meal is forthcoming. After this the babies are put back on the balcony once more and there fliey sleep for several hours, when they wake, should the day bo warm, the bed clothing is removed so that they may lie and kick to their hearts’ content, and, most probably, after tho exercise they begin to feel the pangs of hunger and give expression to their wants. The third meal of the day given at 2 p.m., and following this is the babies’ playtime. The babies are then suitably clad and put in the kicking pen, where they have a splendid opportunity for exercising their limbs so that' they will grow straight and strong. When they tire of this and give signs of their disapproval there are many eager volunteers to nurse them or to take them out in the garden for a while. From -1.30 to 5.30 is another busy hour, for now the babies have to be undressed, clad in their night attire, fed, and closily tucked up in their cots before 6 p.m. The cots are carried out to the verandah, and the next three hours are passed in slumber. Once more they are brought back to the nursery for the last meal of the day, and, as with the first meal, they usually have to he wakened for it. After this each baby is cosily tucked into its warm sleeping bag and; is again put back on the balcony’, which is the night nursery. If the night is cold they are given the additional protection of close-fitting woollen bonnets. Sound, unbroken slumber is the normal rule during tho night and, it a baby* is wakeful, it is usually an indication that all is not just as it should be. Reduced to its essentials, the routine is simplicity itself. The meals consist of humanised milk, and orange juice is also given. The other feature of the treatment is to give the infants plenty of fresh air and to keep them warm and comfortable* without “coddling.” Four Bright Babies. Although they are so young, yet the four babies are beginning to develop along individual lines. Bruce, the only boy, is the biggest of the four and is also the most advanced in other ways. He has a very equable and happy’ temperament. Mary and Kathleen are identical in appearance—so much so that the matron, without looking at their distinguishing marks, is at a%loss to identify them. They’ are a vivacious pair, with ready smiles. Vera, the largest of the girls, is probably. the most beautiful of the quadruplets, although all are good looking. She is also of a more serious nature than her brother and sisters. One does not need to be a lover of babies to find oneself attracted by’ this bright little family’ which at present appears to have every prospect of a healthy and happy future.