OUR BABIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17466, 28 July 1928, Page 15 (Supplement)

OUR BABIES.

THE NERVY CHILD. (By Hygeia.) The cradle baby who "jumps out of his skin" at an unexpected noise is very familiar to the mothers of the present generation. What can we do to safeguard our children's nerves so that they may grow up calm minded and well balanced? There is a hygiene of the mind just as there is a hygiene, of the bodv, and, as our minds are at least of equal importance to our bodies, and the two act and react on one another, both need study. Some babies may be said to be born with a tendency to "nerviness," others are undoubtedly made "nervy" by unwise treatment. There is a night fright, for instance, which attacks a toddler who has never heard stories of witches or burglars or growling bears in dark dens—just a deep implanted instinct handed down from his forbears for whom the night necessarily held terrors; and there is a night fright which should never have been allowed at all, if the grown-ups around had been more careful of their tongues and had used a little more imagination. Peaceful Growth. A new-born baby is, of course, a mass of potentialities; it is up to us to encourage or deflect those which will help or harm them. We want to do everything possible to strengthen and steady the nervous system so that it may grow and develop in peace. We caii do this first and foremost by providing the right atmosphere; secondly, by making as much use of fresh air and unbroken sleep as we can; and,\ thirdly, by a regular routine, forming a rhythm in which there are few breaks or changes, imposing consequent strain and need of adjustment. Baby breathes the "atmosphere" of his home. His "awareness" exists long before he has any power of expression. A nervous or irritable mother or nurse will affect the stability of her child's temperament. ft isn't easy in the rush of life, with all the many claims on time and strength, to keep an even course; but at least let us recognise the responsibility we have of putting, as it were, a protective envelope of peaceful ways and quiet tones round the cradle of the rapidly growing infant. Fresh Air. If baby can sleep out in the garden it is better for him than being pushed to the shops. But how can baby be left alone? It is undoubtedly a problem, but possibly might be solved more readily if the ideal of quiet, stationary sleep were appreciated. Many mothers take their children out unnecessarily, thinking the motion of the pram will* act as a lullaby. So it may, but then baby will And it harder to sleep without that motion, and so a bad habit is being formed; while the inevitable street noises and the frequent stopping of the pram often lead to fitful and broken slumbers, and dusty streets have nothing like the pure air of the back garden. It would be a good plan, whero feasible, never to tako baby out until after lunch, while with the child under six months there is no need to tako him for a J walk at all. What are we to do if the child is already nervy? The physical health may bo improved. Possibly the tonsils' need removing or the bedtime hour is not sufficiently early, or the amount of fresh air and exercise taken is insufficient. The tonic effect of cool and then cold sponging may help the health and thus the nerves. — Woman's Pictorial.