Exercise
The need for exercise is quite apparent and this need is as great in the infant as in the adult. Proper exercise is important from the standpoint of hygiene and we will readily realize this when we observe the provisions which have been made in Nature to take care of this very important process. The child gets his exercise from the natural instincts in his nature to run and play. His curiosity performs an important function in this respect. This keeps him running about to investigate the things about him. This takes care of the child that is thrown in a natural environment where there is plenty of room for him to run and play indoors and out, but it does not take care of the infant and the child in the city or apartment who gets the proper amount of exercise only where there is special provision made for it.
The infant gets his exercise by kicking, therefore the clothing should not be too tight. If it is, it prevents this natural exercise which is an adaptation on the part of Innate Intelligence. It is advisable to place the nude baby on his back for a few minutes at a time, preferably following the bath. In this way he can kick to his heart’s content. Crying is another means of exercise open to the child. The lusty cry of the infant is an advantage enabling the expansion of the lungs and the exercising of the abdominal muscles, the diaphragm and other structures that would otherwise get very little exercise. Of course attention must be given the crying child to see that there is nothing wrong. The crying may be the result of pain or discomfort from the clothing, but it does not take a mother or nurse long to recognize the different cries.
The child gets a certain amount of exercise from the handling which he receives. A child that is left in the crib and does not get the proper handling will be fretful and will not do well. Of course the infant must not be handled roughly and at no time should he be disturbed from sleep. The child who is given opportunity to exert himself and who receives the proper exercise through handling will relish his milk, digestion will be normal, other things being equal, and in every way he will present a more healthful appearance.
Children old enough to creep will get a sufficient amount of exercise in this way. Precautions must be taken, however, that the child is not allowed to remain on the floor when there are drafts or when the floor is cold as it is likely to be in winter in homes that are not provided with furnace heat. It must be remembered that the child is very curious and is likely to get hurt unless properly protected. He should not be restrained in creeping and he should be permitted to spend some time romping on the floor each day. Children should not be encouraged to stand when too young since the weight of the body tends to produce bow-legs.
Outdoor exercise should be provided for the children at an early age. This should include every sort of exercise and play. It is an advantage to have systematic games, for this not only gives a regular amount of exercise but also has an influence on the mind of the child which will aid in forming regular and systematic habits of thought and action. In early childhood there need be no difference in the exercise of the two sexes. It is necessary only to regulate the amount of exertion for the more delicate children. In this respect competitive games may tend to stimulate children to play too hard in an effort to win. Especially is the delicate child likely to overdo since no child likes for other children to know that he is not as physically fit as his playmates. There are no objections from a hygienic standpoint, for the exercise to be sufficiently strenuous to produce muscular fatigue, but it must never be so strenuous or so prolonged as to produce muscular exhaustion. The exercise should develop all parts of the body. In this way there will be a symmetrical body development.