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CHAP. V.] which, considering the natural tendency to nervous excitement and the rapid circulation of infancy, is a very bad practice. Nervous excitability is so increased by the head being kept very warm; that any accidental irritation is under these circumstances much more likely to be followed by spasmodic or convulsive fits than under any other conditions.

Infants do not require caps indoors, where the temperature is generally rather high; but when carried from room to room the square of flannel which forms part of every layette should be wrapped round them and over the head. Nervous excitability, and with it the liability to convulsions, is much increased if babies' heads are kept too hot; and the absence of hair from the little heads may be taken as an indication that Nature has provided for their being kept cool. The pillow on which they sleep should not be so soft that the part of the head in contact with it sinks into it and becomes overheated and perspires freely, while the rest of the head is comparatively cold. This is a frequent cause of colds.

Night-gowns should be made of flannel, and be worn over the vest. They also should have long sleeves, so that there need be no fear of the child's taking cold when it kicks off the bedclothes. Bedclothes should be as light as possible; and, on the principle that the movements of the body and limbs ought never to be impeded, they should not be tightly tucked in.

In cold weather a down quilt is very nice. Care