“If, while in cradled rest your infant sleeps,
Your watchful eye unceasing vigils keeps,
Lest cramping bonds his pliant limbs constrain,
And cause defects that manhood may retain.”[[167]]
83. Is it a good sign for a young child to sleep much?
A babe who sleeps a great deal thrives much more than one who does not. I have known many children who were born[[168]] small and delicate, but who slept the greatest part of their time, become strong and healthy. On the other hand, I have known those who were born large and strong, yet who slept but little, become weak and unhealthy.
The common practice of a nurse allowing a baby to sleep upon her lap is a bad one, and ought never to be countenanced. He sleeps cooler, more comfortably, and soundly in his crib.
The younger an infant is the more he generally sleeps, so that during the early months he is seldom awake, and then only to take the breast.
84. How is it that much sleep causes a young child to thrive so well?
If there be pain in any part of the body, or if any of the functions be not properly performed, he sleeps but little. On the contrary, if there be exemption from pain, and if there be a due performance of all the functions, he sleeps a great deal; and thus the body becomes refreshed and invigorated.