Two minutes in the rectum, and five minutes in the groin.
Is the temperature of a young child a good guide as to the severity of its symptoms in illness?
As a rule it is. A temperature of 100° to 102° F. commonly means a mild illness, and one of 104° F. or over a serious one. The duration of the fever is, however, even more important than the height of the temperature. It should be remembered that in all young children slight causes often produce a high temperature which lasts for a few hours; one should not therefore be unduly alarmed unless the temperature continues high, or is accompanied by other important signs of illness.
Is not a high temperature a more serious symptom in a young child than in an adult?
The opposite is rather the case. Young children are extremely sensitive to conditions which produce fever, and the thermometer often gives an exaggerated idea of the severity of the symptoms. A cause which in an adult might produce a temperature of 102° F. or 103° F., in a young child would very likely be accompanied by a temperature of 104° or 105° F.
[ NERVOUSNESS ]
What are the principal causes of excessive nervousness in infants and young children, and what can be done to prevent this?
The most important cause is the delicate structure of the brain at this time, and its rapid growth. It grows as much during the first year as during all the rest of life. This requires quiet and peaceful surroundings. Infants who are naturally nervous should be left much alone, should see but few people, should be played with very little, and should never be quieted with soothing sirups or the "pacifier."
At what age may playing with babies be begun?
Babies under six months old should never be played with; and the less of it at any time the better for the infant.