Regularity of Habits:

Te Ao Hou, September 1955, Page 63

Regularity of Habits: As baby begins to form habits directly he is born, it is obvious then that training in good habits should begin. Good habits mean good training and bad habits neglect of it. The most important habits are those associated with food, exercise, sleep and excretion. If the mother is wise, she will form a plan or a timetable for herself and her baby. The more simple the plan the more likely it is to be followed. When certain times are set aside for feeding, sleeping and exercise, etc., the body begins to recognise its special times set aside for sleep and rest. A newly born baby sleeps nine-tenths of his time and every baby should have an interval of 8 hours unbroken sleep at night. The habit of regular bowel action can be established in the early weeks by holding the baby out after feeds. It is very important to give this early training, which saves a good deal of washing.