Change sheets and pads whenever they are wet.
The crib bed is cared for in the same way. Padded side protectors should not be used, as they prevent good ventilation. The light-weight, washable side curtains may be used, but these on only one side and end; they should be removed and washed every week. The screen will furnish ample protection from drafts.
The bed should always be placed where it has a quiet current of fresh air but not a draft, strong wind, or hot sun. The basket should rest firmly on its stand, or a large table, or dry surface, never on the floor. Protection should be provided against flies, mosquitoes, cats, dogs, falling objects; and after eight months, against the baby’s climbing and falling out.
“Putting the baby to sleep” should consist in laying the baby in his stationary bed,—warm, dry, comfortable, protected,—to go to sleep by himself. Rocking disturbs the circulation in the brain, produces only light sleep, and is bad for the nervous system. Babies often cry at first, when laid in bed, merely to be taken up, rocked, or played with. To humor them in this way is to cultivate in them self-indulgence, irritable temper, and tyranny. If let alone they may cry themselves to sleep for a few nights, but this will do them no physical harm; they will have learned their lesson, and the family will be spared further trouble.
The baby should not always be laid on his back, but may be laid on one side, or on his stomach, turning his head to one side and putting a flat pad under his chest. The latter position is not only a restful change, but also promotes digestion and encourages development of the muscles at the base of the head and in the upper back.
Disturbed sleep may be caused by bad air, overclothing, rough clothing, cold feet, indigestion, thirst, need of circumcision, a habit of rocking. It is not necessary to keep the house in silence while the baby is sleeping. Sudden and boisterous noise should be avoided, but the baby outdoors or in his own room learns to sleep undisturbed by ordinary conversation, music, household activities.
The baby should be gently wakened, if asleep at feeding or bath time. After a few weeks, his system will be so trained that he will naturally waken at these times.
The regular waking of the baby should be anticipated, and the mother or nurse should be there at the time to take him up, change the diaper, and make him comfortable before he begins to cry. Waking time should be a smiling time.
Play and Exercise. The first play is simple, muscular play of limbs.
After the first month, arrange clothing and covers so there is great freedom for kicking, twisting, rolling, stretching, pulling.