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CHAP. V.] be well sloped out on the inner sides, so that they may not get wet.

Waterproof pilches, such as the "Baby's Napkin Protector," should on no account be used. They put a premium on dirt and neglect, and by preventing the escape of heat and moisture from the body keep it, as some one has graphically said, "in a state of perpetual poultice," a state which is decidedly injurious. Napkins should be removed as soon as they are soiled; and they should never be pinned with ordinary pins, for this may produce evil results. Doubtless the pin which proved fatal in Trousseau's case by entering the liver had been used to fasten the diaper. The new-fashioned safety-pin, with a solid guard to cover the point, is, however, unobjectionable.

The diaper can generally be left off at about six months, and then the stockings should be shortened and supplemented by little flannel drawers. Over the vest described just now, another, made in the same way, but without sleeves, should be worn in cold weather. The next thing is the robe, which for winter I should make of a pretty twilled flannel or other woollen material that will wash. It should have sleeves to the wrist; and, so that it may fit closely to the throat, it is best to make it fulled-in to a little shoulder-piece or yoke. Like the other garment, the robe should only reach the feet, or a couple of inches below them.

None of the clothes should be gathered at the waist, but what little weight there is should hang from the shoulders.