Foods and home making

dirt and dust are not suitable for a baby. A toy should be washable, and should be washed frequently. (See Figure 144.) Why should a baby not suck his thumb ? Because babies like to put things in their mouths, they sometimes suck their thumbs. They should not be allowed to do this because (1) the mouth may become de- formed, (2) disease bac- teria may get into the mouth, and (3) swallowing air may cause discomfort in the stomach. Padded cuffs placed on the elbows prevent a child from suck- ing his thumb. A pacifier is sometimes given to a baby because it may stop his crying. It may produce the same harmful results as sucking the thumb. How long should a baby sleep ? A baby grows rapidly. Since sleeping time is growing time, he needs much sleep. A baby only a few weeks old sleeps from 20 to 22 hours daily. A baby less than six months old needs to sleep from 16 to 18 hours each day. He should sleep more hours than he is awake. From six months to a year, a baby should sleep from 14 to 16 hours a day. When a baby is three months old, he should sleep without feeding from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Of course, this does not mean that Girl Scouts of America Figure 144. Amusing the Baby Notice how carefully the girl scout holds the baby as she plays with him. Also notice the toys. With such careful treatment and harmless toys, the baby’s play will prove beneficial. 492 Health and Child Care a baby should be put to bed at io o’clock in the evening. After he is six months old, n to 12 hours of the 14 to 16 hours should be at night. Babies should have a nap in the morning and after- noon. The American Child Health Association has described in verse the sleeping of a young baby. So lately he’s come from the Country of Dreams That he needs to revisit it often it seems ; So morning and afternoon, every day, Baby sails over Dream Seas a little way. Then at six every evening we tuck him in tight, And he slumbers through Dreamland the whole of the night. Where should a baby sleep? The room in which the baby sleeps should be quiet and well ventilated. The light in the room should not be too strong. A baby should sleep alone. If he cannot have a room of his own, he should have a separate bed. A clean clothes basket or a box makes a good bed for a little baby. A mattress for the little bed may be stuffed with hair or cotton batting. Feathers should not be used. It is better for a baby to sleep without a pillow. On top of the mattress, put rubber sheeting or oil cloth. A small sheet or a pillow case should be placed next, then an upper sheet, blankets, and spread. The bed covering should be placed carefully. There should be no wrinkles in it. A baby’s bed should be kept clean and aired each day. How may a baby be given fresh air ? Babies need plenty of fresh air to keep them well. After a baby is two weeks old, he should be outdoors every pleasant day except when he is sick. Being outdoors does not mean going riding. After he is a month old, he should have a nap outdoors during suitable weather. For the outdoor nap, a carriage is much better than a go-cart. The baby can be more comfortable in a carriage and is protected from drafts and cold winds. Keeping the Baby Well and Happy 493