MOTHERS' COLUMN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XII, Issue XI, 10 March 1894, Page 238

MOTHERS' COLUMN.

I THINK any mothers who travel about much will thoroughly appreciate hearing about the * Baby’s Hamper ’ that most American babies possess. It is not easy to put dainty miniature garments in the big trunks. At any rate, it necessitates using a great number of cardboard boxes, so take my advice and invest in a pretty little hamper like the one in my picture, and line it in the first place with a layer of scented cotton-wool and then with light-tinted sateen. The little tied up pockets in the lid will hold sashes and ‘tie-ups,’ pocket handkerchiefs, and suchlike odds and ends ; while down below the best robes, petticoats, shirts, and wraps will be safely and prettily laid together. It is

difficult to interrupt a woman when she gets on the subject of babies. If com paring experiences made people much wiser, we should have little left to learn about dealing with these atoms of humanity, butsomehowthereseems to be a good deal left to be learnt on the subject. They are such helpless little things, and cannot tell us about themselves except by queer cries, which we do not fully understand. Often and often a baby suffering agonies from ear-ache doesn’t know enough even to put its little hand to the place, and it is not an easy pain to get rid of when we do find it out. One of the best things I know of is to fill a flannel bag with hops, and dip it into hot vinegar, which must be carefully wrung out, and in applying it baby’s delicate skin must be remembered. He will soon find out how good the warmth and soothing influence of the hops are, and after it has been renewed a few times will drop off to sleep.