Kissing. Under no circumstances should anyone kiss a baby on the mouth. Common colds, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, and many other diseases are transmitted in this way. Remember that disease may be present in the secretions of the mouth and nose and on the lips.
Crying. A well baby never cries without cause. Normal crying is loud and forceful, and the mother will soon learn to distinguish it from the cry of pain, hunger, or discomfort. A baby has no other way of expressing his needs—therefore his cry should be heeded. When he cries the mother should see that he is made comfortable, that his hands and feet are warm, that his diaper is not wet, and that no pins are pricking him. Often merely a change of position is sufficient to quiet him. Do not take him up at the first cry; most babies like to be held and will often cry simply to be taken up.
Cry due to colic. The cry of colic is sharp and spasmodic. The baby will draw his legs up, and the muscles of the abdomen will be hard and tense.
Cry due to hunger. The normal cry of hunger is heard some time before the feeding is due, and is accompanied by the sucking of the thumb or the fingers. If the baby is not getting sufficient nourishment, the cry of hunger is a continuous fretful sound and is heard soon after a feeding.
Cry due to temper. The cry of temper is loud and strong; the baby usually kicks, and his body stiffens. This is easily recognized, because when the baby gets what he wants he will stop at once. When a baby cries from temper let him cry it out. The struggle will not be long, because he will soon learn that this crying is useless.
Cry due to illness or fright. The cry of most forms of illness is low, moaning, and fretful. The cry of fright is sudden and loud. The child should be taken up, comforted, and put down again as soon as he is quieted. In all cases of persistent crying the doctor should be called if the mother does not succeed in her attempts at quieting.
Exercise. The young baby gets his exercise by crying (which expands his lungs), also by kicking and waving the arms. It is important that the clothing should not be so tight as to interfere with these natural movements.
BABY EXERCISING
When he is in short clothes, at regular times each day he should be placed on the floor, on a thick blanket, and allowed to roll and creep about at will.