OUR BABIES.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10752, 24 November 1928, Page 10

OUR BABIES.

(By “Hygeia.”)

Published under the auspices of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children (Plunket Society.) “It. is wiser to put up a fence at the top of a precipice than to maintain an ambulance at the bottom.” “RAIMENT FOR. THE RUNABOUTS.” We have recently been asked what we would recommend as ideal clothing for the little runabouts, say, two to five years old, and in response we put forward the following suggestions, nil of which have been tried and tested by practical experience. 'a REASONABLE AVERAGE OUTFIT FOR THE RUNABOUT.

Singlets—ln summer silk and wool, woven cotton, or cellular cotton; in winter, the same with the addition of loose, long knitted vests or woven combinations. Bodices.—The so-called “liberty” bodices are satisfactory, and may ho bought in all sizes, or bodices may be home made on the same lines. Bloomers or pants should he loose, fitting and not dependent on tight elastic bands, but fastened with buttonholes io the bodice. Washing cotton underpants are necessary for use. with cloth or other dark pants which arc not frequently tubbed, flee that pants do not fit up too tightly between the thighs. Petticoats as desired. Tn these days of knitted frocks and matching suits, petticoats are rather out of date. However, pretty petticoats to go under l.liin frocks', or flannel petticoats for warmth, are best made ‘princess’ pattern. Frocks and suits, of which there is i’.n infinite variety of pretty and sensible styles; short tunics or smocks, with well-cut tiny pants to match, are pretty and distinctive for very little hoys just past the romper stage, The “varsity suits” are suitable hoenuse they support the pants from the shoulders; they may be made in flannel, etc., for winter, and in tussore ,fugi, tobrnleo, etc., for summer. Flannel pants with, colored silk or cotton shirts look pretty. For little girls smocks with matching bloomers arc equally suitable. The variety of colored and figured materials for summer frocks is bewildering, and there are many soft and pretty woollen materials, too. Practically all the patterns for little frocks are good ust now, ns long as they are not made too short, and skimpy. Much can be dorter in the way of “cutting down” bigger garments successfully with present styles. And there are so many gay arid really pretty, yet cheap, trimmings that even a navy blue or grey morning knoek-ahout frock need never he drab. ft is natural for children to love bright colors and pretty things, and it is right .that they should have their natural little tastes wherever possible. Needless to say. this is quite a different thing to gratifying the whims and fancies of the ‘spoilt’ child. Children’s clothes should, if possible, never bo drab or ugly. Tt is lovely to see children looking like gay or' dainty flowers, and though dark colors may be necessary for-util-itarian reasons, they should he relieved by pretty trimmings as- far ns possible. The popular knitted and woven suits and frocks are suitable for hoys and girls on many occasions, from the thick winter woollies to the fascinating confections in woven silk of delicate shades in which one may indulge if one has the wherewithal. Footwear.—lt is really very . important that shoes and stockings should Ire carefully chosen. It is a sari fact that school medical officers find a, large number of foot deformitH'as present in .school children, almost all due to badly shaped, ill-fit-ting, or tight shoes. It is really appalling lo consider the amount of discomfort and misery and ill-temper, not to say loss of officiency in later life, caused by sore .feet. Women suffer more, than men because cf their irrational foot gear, and it is our boumien duty to see that the present tribe of little girls run no risk that we ca-n prevent. All outgrown clothing is nad because it. hampers free movement, but wearing outgrown shoes is most, injurious—far better to go barefoot. Children’s shoes, from nhe. very first pair, should he built on the natural lines of the foot—straight on the inner edge, sloping broadly from tlve big toe to the outer edge, and with a wide, flat heel. Very heavy soles are not desirable, but the soles should he sound and not rough inside. Little goloshes can be bought, and they enable the kiddies to run about outside the minute the rain has stopped ; and to go out for walks in all weathers. Tiny gnm!.ooto can also be purchased, hut they arc rather heavy. Socks and Stockings also need to be big enough not to cramp the toes together. Woollen stockings are desirable in winter (supported by suspenders from the bodice) ; thin socks or no socks and sandals in summer.

Coats.—The present vogue of the knitted outing-suit, consisting of cap, coat and leggings, is a very sensible winter one for small children—boys nr girls. To he really warm in windy weather the coat needs lining with thin silk or woo Pen stuff. Wo mil know how - “the wind goes right through” a knitted jumper. Cloth coats, fur trimmed, arc very warm and pretty; but fur coats are not. desirable, at any rate in our New Zealand climate. They are too heavy and noil-porous, and consequently enervating. ■ Hats.—Woollen caps and little felt or cloth hats for winter, and silk, cotton, or straw for summer, are made in many pretty styles. Guard ■against over-heating the head. Except- for protection against real cold or real sun or glare,’ hats are not strict#y necessary at all. Little girls have so long boon wearing hats which arc simply tlieir mothers’ in miniature, that one welcomes the return of the sunhonnet. However, organdie or thin muslin needs lining. Those inexpensive cotton hats with stitched brims which arc wider at the hack than in front, and lined with green, are the. best possible garden,- picnic or seaside' hats. _ They can he 1 ought in different sizes at men’s departments in big shops.

IN REALLY SULTRY WEATHER.

During a spell of really hot weather we have let children spend all the hottest part of the day in bathing suits, and these large shady hats, and sandals. Of course, they need to he gradually habituated to exposure to the sun, and had sunburning should never he allowed to occur. But once they get used to it, liow they love it, and a liberal sprinkling from the liose doesn’t matter! There are a few general considerations in regard to the amount of clothing required and other points which we must hold over till next week.