THE DRESSING OF AN INFANT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue XXII, 30 May 1896, Page 644

THE DRESSING OF AN INFANT.

(BY

MRS GLADSTONE.)

When we approach the subject of the clothes of infants, the most important fact to be borne in mind is to have the clothing light, soft, and warm, varying with the seasons—so adapted that it may be put on and taken off easily. This latter point should always be borne in mind

when either purchasing or making an infant’s clothing, so that the child may be saved as much discomfort as possible while its clothing is being changed. Every mother should see that the dress of an infant will admit of expansion of chest and stomach, with perfect freedom for limbs and joints. Much irritation, as Dr. Squire says, ' is produced by keeping damp clothes close to the skin, ana more when caustic soda has been used in washing, and is left from careless rinsing and drying. All impervious wraps are to be avoided ; there must be frequent changes of linen.’ The supply of animal heat in a baby being small, the dress should be chosen with a view to warmth, but while taking every care to maintain a comfortable and equable warmth, do not coddle or overheat the child ; beware of loading it with too many clothes, and of covering the neck with warm shawls or tippets within doors. All that is wanted is to keep the upper part of the dress sufficiently high to protect the chest and arms, for over-heating is bad and relaxing. Exceptional circumstances, of course, demand exceptional care ; for instance, in a case of premature birth the preservation of vital heat is the one thing to be attended to ; it is safest to wrap the baby in flannel, or, as has been done with good effect, to imbed it in a basket of cotton wool, and not to expose it to air at all—at all events not till the doctor comes.

Never overlook the tendency in young children at the period of teething to nervous excitement. Keep the head cool. Avoid over soft pillows, close wrappings up of the head, and heavy bonnets or hats. Howoften, from affection and pride, a velvet hat is chosen, laden with feathers or trimmings, which oppresses the poor little head. Such things are objectionable both in winter and summer. I would also warn mothers against the turned-up hat ; it is almost sickening to see the poor children in perambulators, with the sun’s full glare beating upon the susceptible head and eves.