OUR BABIES

Patea Mail, Volume XLIV, 26 July 1920, Page 4

OUR BABIES

BY HYGEIA Published under the auspices of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children. “It is wiser to put up a fence at the top of a precipice than to maintain an ambulance at the bottom.’’

A UL* i LP. T.ast week we gave some details with regard to the marvellous growth of Infant Welfare work in America during the past, decade. We pointed out the fact that. American effort is directed mainly to helping the poor and submerged, and that little or no provision is made for teaching the much larger self-reliant working, middle, and upper classes. We .then referred to a publi-

cat ion issued by the United States Department of Labour Children's Bureau, which will be equally interesting and helpful to all classes in the community. The following is a facsimile copy of the leaflet, with very slight, modifica-

1 ions to make it applicable to Now Zealand : WHAT DO GROWING CHILDREN NEED ? Child-welfare exports agree that the following arc the main essentials for

the child’s best growth and dcvclopdcvclopmcnt. Shelter. A decent, clean, well-kept honse.

Plenty of fresh air in the house, winter and summer. Separate Vied, with sufficient bedclothes to heep warm. Hanitn.rv indoor water-closet Or out-

door privy. I'nrc, abundant water supply. A comfortable place to welcome friends. Has your child these *? Pood.

Three square meals a day. Clean, simple, appetising, well-cooked food. Meals at regular hours and sufficient dime for them. Dinner at noon for children under seven years of age. The daily diet shoul dincludc : Milk, about half a pint a day. Bread, toast, oatcake, porridge. Potatoes and green vegetables, especially leafy vegetables. Fruit, especially uncooked ripe apple. Egg, meat, or fish. Tf none of these three is used, from half a pint to a pint more milk should be given. Has your child these ?

EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO HE WELL HORN, WELL NOURISHED, AND WELL CARED FOR. Clothing. Clean, whole garments. Different, clothing for day and night, suited to the climate. Change of underclothes and nightgown at least weekly. A change of stockings at least twice a week. Warm underclothing and stockings in cold climates. Overcoat for cold weather. Good sound boots —long enough, wide at the toes, and low heeled. Has your child these ? Health and Personal Habits. Hands and face washed before meals and at bedtime. Cold bath on rising, followed by brisk nib "down, rapid dressing, and at least 10 minutes-’ active exercise. Hot bath once a week. Natural bowel movement every day. Tooth brushed at least twice a day (morning and night). Regular bed hour. Ten to twelve hours of sleep at night, with open windows. (“torrent weirdit for hoiffht.

juried wngui iui iivijjin. Has your cliild these ? Recreation and Companionship. A safe, clean, roomy place for out'door and indoor play. At least two hours' outdoor play every day. Constructive and suitable playthings and tools. .Someone with sympathetic oversight to direct the play. The right sort of playmates. Has your child these ? WISE PARENTS ARE A CHILD'S BEST ASSETS. Education and Work. Schooling for at least nine months a year from 7 to Id years of age. Not more than two hours of ‘chores’ outside school hours. Not enough work either in school or out to cause fatigue. Vacation work, if any, must allow ample opportunity for the proper amount of rest and recreation. Has your child these ? Religious and Moral Training. Opportunity for religious training. Proper moral and spiritual influence in the home. Teaching of standards of right and wrong in daily life. Has your child these ? IS YOUR CHILD LETT INC A SQUARE DEAL? IF NOT, WHAT ARE YOU COINC TO DO ABOUT IT ?