are elongated, those of the left side contracted, and an incipient distortion is the result. Mothers frequently, though unconsciously, aid this mischief by the habit of suckling exclusively on the left side—a practice which is not only injurious to themselves, but a remote cause of deformity to their little ones. Due caution should be observed also in washing and dressing the infant, and the head be so supported by the hand, as to obviate the danger of dislocation of the vertebræ.[1]
The clothing of new-born children should be light and warm, and so constructed as to admit of easy removal, as its frequent change is essential to health. Flannel, being a bad conductor of heat, is one of the best materials of which the clothing can be composed, if it does not produce too much irritation of the skin, in which case the interposition of a little soft calico will be necessary. Long-clothes may be useful in the first instance, as conducive to the warmth of the lower extremities, but they should
- ↑ In washing the child care should be taken to have the water sufficiently warm, as, if cold water be used, the capillary circulation of the skin will be congested, the animal heat unduly lowered, the surface of the body will become blue and rigid, and the infant by its cries will vigorously protest against the cruel but mistaken kindness in which this practice originated.
