Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/355

 333 The elbow should be used to test the temperature of the water more sensitive than the hand amount of soap. Next lower the baby very gently into the bath, supporting his head and spine firmly along the left arm and holding him with the left hand. Even with care some sensitive children will shiver and gasp from ' the shock of the water, while others take to it like young fish. Next sponge well all over, streaming the water gently all over the body, as this acts like a shower-bath, and has a bracing effect. Rinse the head carefully. Drying Baby Now lift baby out on to the apron, cover him over with a soft towel, and begin to dry his head and face, working downwards to his toes, covering up each part as soon as possible. Dry the skin more with soft little pats than rubbing, and be very careful that all the creases and folds of the little body are perfectly dry, especially such parts as are liable to chafe. If any redness is noticeable, apply a little boracic ointment, or pure vaseline, and no powder. Many nurses keep the lower limbs rubbed with vaseline or boracic ointment, not powdered, as powder cakes when moistened, and causes chafing. The eyes, mouth, ears, and nostrils each need a special toilet. Some people prefer to do these before the bath, others after it, and perhaps the latter plan is best, as this part of the proceedings usually upsets baby's temper. Put one table- spoonful of boracic acid lotion into a cup or basin, add to it three tablespoonfuls of warm water. Have ready some small wads of absorbent cotton- wool. The Mouth and Eyes Wrap one of these pieces of cotton-wool round the finger, dip it in the lotion and very gently wipe all over inside the child's mouth, taking great care not to rub in the least roughly, as the mucous membrane is very tender, and inflammation and ulceration are easily set up. Once a day is quite sufficient for cleansing the mouth if proper food is given and the teats of the feeding-bottles kept scrupulously clean. The old-fashioned honey- and- borax mixture is now condemned by most medical men. CHILDREN For infants the best plan is to dip a piece of clean cotton- wool mto the lotion. Let one drop fall gently into each eye, then wipe it carefully with a second piece. Do each eyo separately. If the eyes are neglected ophthalmia may result. The Nostrils Cleanse these night and morning with a little swab, made by tying a piece of cotton-wool on to a headless match, and, after dipping it in the lotion, very gently remove any dry mucus blocking the air passages. This is a more comfort- able and effective method than using a hard, spiral twist of towel or handkerchief. If from any cause the nostrils are much blocked, the cotton-wool can be dipped into a little olive oil to soften the obstruction. Every bit of cotton-wool must be burnt after use, and a clean bit taken for each part. The Ears The ears need the most careful washing and drying ; nothing of any description, much less hard twisted corners of towels, or, worse still, hairpins, must ever be pushed into them, or the " drum " may be ruptured or acute inflammation set up. A soft sponge and towel are alone suitable to use. Dry the ears very carefully, otherwise earache and gatherings may result, which may end in deafness. Final Massage After a light powdering all over, the last process is to give baby a brisk but very gentle rubbing and patting all over with the hand, which must be dry, warm, and ringless. If the hand is at all rough lubricate it slightly with a little olive oil. Use a light, caressing movement, especially over the abdomen and spine. This species of massage, if properly performed, is often of the greatest good to weakly, fretful, little mortals, and they greatly enjoy it. Next robe baby in clean, warmed garments, and he is ready for his breakfast, to be followed by his morning nap.