20. To be a bright baby, it must go up before it is carried down, and it must be bumped to the attic roof for luck.
New England.
21. A young baby was taken up a short step-ladder by its nurse before being for the first time carried downstairs lest it should die before it was a year old.
Holyoke, Mass.
22. A child will have a nature and disposition similar to that of the person who first takes him out of doors.
Georgia.
23. The first time a baby is taken out of its room, it must be taken up, or it will not go to heaven. If the door of the room steps down, then the person carrying the baby must step up on a chair or book with the baby in her arms.
North Carolina.
24. Let the baby have or touch the thing he starts after on taking the first step, and he will always get what he wishes. If it be the moon, then let him touch something light, on which its light shines.
25. When taking the child into your arms for the first time, make a good wish for him; if you give him his full name and he opens his eyes and looks at you (answers to his name), it is good luck.