The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-01-24
&GARE OF INFANTS.

copy the following:
yef3ARE OF INFANTS.
1t is evidently that there is only some
thing, but much, the matter with the
present prevailing treatment of infancy
and childhood. One fourth Of the race
die in the first year, and one halt before
five years. Can this be the ordinance of
Providence Is this to he always so q
The farmer does not lose one half of his
calves, colts or pigs in any corresponding
period. What is the matter?
We find the following directions afloat.
They seem 10 us emInentIy just, though
Il little extreme, perhaps, in some par;icu-
lars. We shoald like, however, to see
them followed out few times, that the
effect might be ascertained.
Prior To the growth of the deciduous
teeth, let the food be that and that only
which nature has provided. Let this rule
be rs fixed as the laws If the Medes and
Persians. Milk should be the entire food
for the first year of life, until the first teeth
are grown. No exception to this rule.
During the presence OF the first crop of
teeth until the permanent and adult teeth
are mature, let the food of the child be
new milk and cold wheat bread. a better
regimen canuot be obtained. 1t is Just
what the growing body wants to make it
vigorous, sound and durable.
Let the infant and the child have its
food but three times in twenty four hours.
And let these times be as regular rs the
sounding of the clock. Never disobey
this injunction. At once adopt this rule.
Feed the child nothing after sundown, or
before sunrise.
From birth, bathe the infant in cool
water, each day. Be in this unvaryng,
followed by dry friction. Let the clothing
be comfortable, but very loose and flow
ing. Gays, shirts, shoes and waists are
wholly miscnlevous. unwarrantabIc and
dangerous to life. Linen, a gown, draw
ers, stockings, and blanket, are Ill that
the infant should wear. At this period
of life be simple in dress. Study the
physical comfort of the child and not u
vain mothers tastes.
Put the infant upon neat, comfortable,
yet comparatively hard bed, let this be
in safe crib. Let this be its home
Handle it as little as possible. Do not
carry it or hold it. Never move it sud-
denly, by its arms. At its meals, &c, it
must be removed from its crib, but let it
be done with great care. 1t wants no
more exercise than it can take itself. Its
own motions should be free, wholly un-
trammelled. Remember that it must not
be handled, tossed, carried, held, but al
lowed to remain in its little home.
The great prophylatic against summer
complaint and difficult teething, is habit
from birth. Cultivate uniformity in all
its wants and offices. In nothing are
mothers more faulty than in their treat
ment of infants. The practices of all
are aiarmingIy pernicious. Line upon
line is needed.
AS soon As children can creep and run,
they should be allowed to do 80 to their
full satisfaction. A Dom or safe yard
should be set apart for their particular use.
Sleep should be regulated with the
most exact order. Regularity in this will
save immense annoyance, pain and ner-
viodSness.
Tis ru:nous to childhood to eat at the
tables Of adults. So loaded are they with
all kinds Of drink and edibes, that if they
sat at them, they form a taste for all, and
soon eat some Of all, which are to their
tender stomachs most mischievous. Chill
dren should have simples-bread and
milk should be their food.-Prairie Far
naer.