Dry at once by moderate heat; avoid freezing or extreme heat. Stretch into shape, and lay on frames or towels to dry, turning once or twice. If pressing is desired, use a moderately hot iron. Cheesecloth between iron and fabric preserves softness.
Bathing.
One bath every day
Sponge bath until cord heals; later, tub bath
Not within an hour after feeding
Not when greatly fatigued
Tub bath preferably in morning, before second feeding; otherwise, before third or evening feeding
In warm weather an additional sponge bath at night (same as lower temperature of morning) is advisable.
In hot weather give two or three sponge baths 70° to 90° F., according to age, in addition.
In cold weather, an oil rub at night may be given instead of sponge[7] bath.
Temperature for bath is always to be regulated by bath thermometer. Changes to be gradual, by 1° F., from day to day.
Until sixth or eighth month, tub bath 98° to 100° F., followed by cool. Then reduce 1° a fortnight, to 90° F.
After second week, a dash of cool water (90° F.) applied by hand to back (begin at lower end), chest and buttocks. At two months lower by 2° F. and apply with wash cloth; lower 2° F. each month to 80° F., so long as baby reacts well—skin rosy and warm, not blue lips, goose flesh, cold feet.
Cool water may be added slowly while baby is in tub, but not hot water.