As soon as the newborn baby has been washed and dressed, before he is put to sleep, he is given two teaspoons of warm, boiled water in a sterile bottle with a clean nipple. This is repeated every two hours when he is awake, until he is old enough to ask for water himself. This water should contain no sugar, or anything else—just clean, boiled water. It is better to give this water from a bottle; for in case of enforced weaning, this practice of taking his water from a bottle, will have made him acquainted with that method of feeding.
URINATION
The baby may pass very little urine during the first day or two of his life, but if the warm, boiled water is administered regularly, the urine will soon become more abundant.
As the child nears two years of age, if put to bed at six p. m. he should be taken up at ten or eleven to urinate.
In older children, bed wetting is often corrected by serving the last meal not later than four p. m. and not allowing any liquids after that hour.
The physician should be consulted in all instances where the habit of bed wetting extends beyond three years. The subject will be treated more fully in a later chapter.
EXERCISE
A baby pen, lifted up from the floor, well protected at the sides, and covered with mosquito bar—if exposed to flies or mosquitoes—affords splendid opportunity for exercise. Here the little fellow may lay on a well-padded mattress and kick, move his arms, and otherwise roll about to his own satisfaction. It should not be in the direct sunshine, but rather in a protected, somewhat shady place, yet where the air is pure and fresh.
Much exercise is obtained from the daily cry. Here, the arms, legs, hands and feet, as well as the body, are all exercised until the baby is pink. A good rebound of blood is flowing through the well-warmed skin, while the baby is greatly benefited by such daily exercise.
Later on, "creeping" is urged, but not forced. With regard to standing—he will pull himself up on his feet just as soon as nature qualifies him, and so he needs no urging or coaxing in this matter. Older children should be encouraged in active romping, games, etc., rather than to spend the entire day in the more sedentary amusements, puzzle pictures, etc.