HEALTH COLUMN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2528, 27 August 1902, Page 64

HEALTH COLUMN.

Caring for Tonug Babies.

The majority of children are healthy when they are born, and may be kept healthy if they receive the care and attention which all mothers should give. A babe loves warmth, and he needs plenty of good nourishing food. During the firstfew months of his life, he will sleep all night and about one-third of the day. Allow him to enjoy his nap undistmbed. and if one is careful to establish the habit of going to sleep at the same time every day, there will be little trouble to get him to sleep when that time arrives. A watchful mother can soon decide whether a child cries because he is spoiled or because he is in pain. If he is suffering from an attack of colic, take off all his clothes except his band, which should not be loosened if he is crying very hard. Wrap him in a soft woollen shawl, and rub his little limbs, stomach, and bowels with the hand. A drink of water as warm as ho will take it often proves beneficial. When he is thoroughly warm he will usually stop crying, and nestle down for a comfortable sleep. Warm the blanket and pillow in his little crib, fold the shawl closely around him, and place the crib in a corner where a draught will not strike him. When he wakes he will be as bright and fresh as ever.

After the baby has his bath, which should be given as regularly every day as his meals, wash his tongue, gums, and the roof of his mouth with a soft piece of old linen dipped in cool water, in which a pinch of boracic acid has been dissolved. If this be done regularly, the baby will not be troubled with sore mouth or thrush, which is a common and often dangerous disease oi babyhood. If his mouth has been neglected until it is sore, prepare a lotion, r.«ing one-half dram tincture of myrrh, one iluid draii glycerine, and 20 grains of borax. Add water enough to make one fluid ounce. Apply with a camelVhair brush all over the tongue and gums wheie the small white patches occur.

Do not forget that a baby noeds water a* well as food, for the little mouth gets very dry and hot. and a drink of cool water will ofren quiet him when nothing else Mill.