Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/354

 CHILDREN. For infants the bath basin " is very handy 332 known as a " nursery It holds about six or eight quarts of water, is large enough to receive the child comfortably, and is fitted into a frame which raises it to a convenient height for the nurse. . . ^^ The Hammock-bath The hammock-bath gives great freedom to the hands, as the child rests on a broad strip of canvas, slung on to rings fastened to each end. For older children any ordinary deep bath may be used. The Water The effect of very hard water on the delicate skins, especially that of the face of children, is very 'harmful. If rain water is not procurable, add a little milk to the bath water, or use water that has really boiled, and squeeze a muslin bag of oatmeal in it until the water looks cloudy. The Soap It is of utmost importance to use the best and purest soap procur- able for children, for their skins are very sensitive and more easily injured than those of adults. For this reason avoid all highly col oured and scented soaps. Too much soap is a common fault of nursery bathing ; soaping all over once a day is quite sufficient, and even a thick lather is unnecessary. The reason is, even the best soaps remove the natural oil of the skin, thus over- much soap renders the skin dry and rough, and by depriving it of too much of its oil weakens the child, and contributes to malnutrition. A nursery basin is very convenient. It is fitted into a frame which raises The Sponge Infants require two sponges — one very soft cup-sponge for the face and head, and a second for rinsing. A new sponge must be put in cold water for twenty- four hours to soak out sand. Examine the sponge carefully in order to see it is free from gritty substances, or a bad scratch may result. Sponges must be kept scrupulously clean, as if at all slimy they are very harmful to the skin. If a sponge gets slimy, soak it for twelve hours in strong salted water, and if that remedy proves ineffectual soak it in three half-pints of water containing a sherry glass of table vinegar, exercising the greatest possible caution in the use of the acid, which in its pure form is dangerous. I^nse the sponge well before use. The Dusting Powder A good toilet powder is as essential as good soap, and, like soap, all highly scented varieties must be avoided. Fine boracic acid powder, fuller's earth, or equal parts of starch and oxide to a convenient height for the nurse of zinc are always safe. The powder is best applied with soft wads of cotton-wool, which can be changed frequently. This is far more cleanly than using the same powder-puff for every purpose for one year, or even several. Temperature of the Bath Water For very young infants the temperature of the water should be 100° F. when the child is put in. This can be lowered as the baby gets older, or if the weather is very hot, to about 98°-95° F-J at about three years of age 65°-8o° F. will often be warm enough in summer, and 85°-95° F. in winter. Only the most robust children — never under three years of age — should have quite a cold bath. A bath thermometer, costing about lod., is an essential item in the nursery, and must always be used to ascertain the temperature of the bath water. Always put the cold water in first, then add the hot,so that if an accident happen, such as a bath being upset or a child falling in, scalding will not result. Also never add hot water while the child is in the bath ; take out the child first, and then pour in the water. The neglect of these simple rules has lost the lives of hundreds of infants. If for any reason the thermometer cannot be used, the nurse must roll up her sleeve and test the temperature with her elbow, not ha.nd, the former being far more sensitive, and, therefore, more reliable. Washing: Infants When everything , is in readiness, the nurse must roll up her sleeves, tie on an under-apron of macintosh to pre- '* vent damping her dress, and over that a long, full apron of good thick flannel. Air and warm this before use ; a cotton apron is too chilly and uncomfortable on which to lay an undressed baby. Unless a hammock-bath is used, lay a square of flannel folded thickly, or a Turkish towel, in the bath or basin. This is much cosier for baby than to rest upon a hard, slippery surface. Undress the child by pulling the little garments off the feet, not over the head. The latter method is far too rough for a sensitive child, often making it start and shrink nervously. Throw a fold of the warm apron over baby's body, and gently sponge and soap the head, taking care that the water does not trickle into his eyes or ears, as this often makes him cross at the start. Remember all movements must be gentle and quick, without being sudden. When the head has been soaped, wash all over the body, using a very soft piece of new flannel and a reasonable Q^