“There is no young creature in the world so ignorantly and cruelly nurtured as the average infant.”
—Ibid.
“Since what is needed most is intelligent care, all proper means should be employed to educate mothers and those caring for infants, in proper methods of doing this.”
—Doctor L. Emmett Holt.
The baby is a unity of body, mind, and soul, and these cannot be separated in his actual life. During every minute of his care, in every detail, his whole nature is being influenced and his character shaped. It is only for convenience of discussion that the physical régime is separated from the rest of his care.
The régime here outlined is for normal, well babies, for their first year or two. Delicate, feeble, or sickly infants must receive special care, under the physician’s directions, in their feeding, bathing, clothing, and outdoor living.
There are only a few fundamental principles, but these are to be practiced with conscientious thoroughness by every one who has anything to do with the child. It is the little details in the routine of his daily life that produce vigor or weakness. Errors in his care now easily cost his life; or apparently they may not harm him now but will be paid for in suffering, deformities, or weakness in childhood or adulthood. The woman who has this responsibility needs special preparation in self-sacrifice, self-control, gentleness, regularity, thoroughness, and accuracy in little details. She should be in good health, free from any contagious disease.
Fundamental Principles.
1. Regularity, particularly in feeding, sleep, stools
2. Cleanliness of baby, food, clothing, utensils, toys, nursery