Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-10-17
For the Babies.

All sorts of pretty things are planned
in the baby outfit of to-day; and the way
in which common sense, science-in the
shape of hygienic laws and application
and Dame Fashion have Joined hands to
minister to the comfort OF their
majesties, the babies, is one OF the most
interesting themes of the times.
1t is quite the fashion nowadays to be
hypienic. The laws of health are para
mount. So Dame Fashion, taking the
hint, has pinned her faith to all things
hygienic for the wee folks; and whatever
is in accordance with the laws OF health
is likewise in good standing 30 far as
fashion is concerned.
Not only must all of baby's clothes be
made after patterns and materials ap-
proved by physicians who have made an
especial study of the subject, but all Of
the things that contribute to his com
fort and welfare, and ever to his amuse-
ment, must conform to those same laws
of hygiene.
Everything about the baby must be
washable, and not only washable, but
they must withstand the application OF
boiling water for an appreciate length Of
time so that the entire absence of germs
and sure sterility is ensured.
Baby's washstand, washbowl-the lat
ter ones are made in two compartments
for two different waters-wash cloths
sponges and the like are all to be treated
to periodical cleansings with soap ano
water and stiff brush, some antiseptit
solution having been dissolved in the
water previous to scrubbing.
But even though all these articles o.
daily use are made to be what physicians
term surgically clean-that is, with al
complete an asepsis as possible-there |!
simply no limit to the dainty effects tina
are carried out in those things that art
intended to visit the dry or naphth;
cleaners establishments at close inter
walls.
For one thing take the bassinette il
which the new baby sleeps. The bras
crib swung from a standard is luxur!
that is not within the reach Of all; ant
the fact that it cannot be readily moved
around makes the little bassinette tt
supersede it in favor with many to whom
expense is no object.
The modern baby is not rocked in
cradle; rather he is left to lie in cain
quiet, with no sjolting or jouncing t
rack the little nerves and lead to sleep
lessness and crying fits. The scietifical
| y reared wee folks have their bassinette
placed on a table, stand, chair or tabour
cite, anywhere that will be we'll remove,
from the draughts of the floor. Cleanll
ness, few clothes, fresh air, and sunshin
are what the modern baby is brought n
on.
But SO far as regards the few clothes
the few are as dainty as possible, an
the stock of them is large. Soft Persia
lawn and the sheerest and finest o
French nainsook fashion the frOcks an
petticoats. The little undershirt is Q
the finest cashmere, woven without an
hard or harsh seams, so that the delicat
little flesh is not creased or ridged. Th
socks and bootees, or boots, are hkewis
lof the finest and softest, and any super
lfluous weight is religiously eliminate
from the baby wardrobe. Everything
as light as possible, and fastenings ar
few and simple.
But the young mother who likes daint
things for her wee folk can indulge
her hearts content. Sashes, shoulde
knots, ribbon bows for the tiny shoes
lust after the fashion of grownups-an
all sorts of smart fixings and contrival
ces for the bassinette and the baby ca
riage alike will give due opportunity fe
a display of taste in this direction.
The bassinette may be of willow or "a
tan, though there are many instance
where a clothes basket is trimmed
cleverly for a bassinet that the uninitia
ed could never discover the difference
The little mattress is laid in the bottol
and a waterproof sheeting Zone of I'll
kind that has absolutely no rubber wha
soever in its construction) laid over it,
IT.