History of the Case
Great care must of necessity be exercised in taking the analysis of the baby and of the small child. A very careful history should be taken. This, of course, must be obtained from the parents or nurse. This history should include such points as whether birth was instrumental or natural, whether it was premature or full term, whether there were any peculiarities of respiration at birth, whether there have been any convulsions and what sickness, if any, the child has suffered with. Inquiry should be made relative to the condition of the bowels and kidneys, how the child sleeps, and if there is a tendency to cry out during sleep. If the child refuses to nurse or nurses with difficulty it may indicate an incoördination of the mouth or the throat.