The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1912-07-19
HOW TO CARE FOR
BABIES IN SUMMER.
Department OF Health Gives Advice
to Methers on Treatment of
Infants.

The care of babies in Summer is
the subject of the weekly health
bulletin just issued by the Depart
ment of Public Health and Charities.
The fulletin follows:
Infant mortality is always highest
during the hot weather of the Sum-
mer months. 1t is during this per-
iod, therefore, that every safeguard
should be placed around the life of
the baby to protect it from the dis
eases which cause such high NOR
tality. Investigations show that of
the large per cent. of deaths which
occur in the first year of life, from
60 per cent. to 20 per cent. are due
to gastro-intestinal diseases, includ-
ing the so-called Summer COM
plant" which are within the reach
of preventive measures.
The essentials to the health of the
baby in hot weather are fresh air,
proper clothing and cleanliness of
food and body. The room in which
the baby sleeps should be thorough
ly ventilated. In suitable weather
the baby should be placed out in the
open air as much as possible, but not
exposed to the direct rays of the
sun. The impression that night air is
bad for the baby is erroneous; as a
matter of fact it Is better than day
air and the baby should be given the
full benefit of it whenever possible.
How to ClOthe Baby.
In hot weather the only clothing
required by the baby are a cotton
slip and a clean diaper, unless a
doctor has advised that the flannel
bellyband be worn for protection to
the abdomen. The baby should, OF
course, be properly protected
against any sudden drop of temper
ature by the addition of suitable
clothing and bed coverings.
Clean, pure food is an absolute
necessity for the good health of the
baby at all times, but the greatest
care is required to supply it during
hot weather. The mortality of
breast-fed infants is very small COM
pared to that of those artificially
fed. For this reason the baby
should not be weaned during the
Summer months, and every effort
should be made to provide the wean-
ed child with a clean, wholesome
substitute for mothers milk. Use
only a good quality of cows milk
for the baby's food, and see that it
is kept cool and clean until used.
Wash the baby's mouth out after
each feeding with a weak solution
of boric acid; also thoroughly clean
nursing bottles and nipples after
each feeding. Do not use nipples
attached to the bottle by rubber
tubes, as it is impossible to keep
them clean.
Guard Against Overlooking.
Guard against overfeeding both
breasted and bottle-fed babies, es-
pecially in excessive hot weather.
The baby is not always hungry when
it cries, but, like the adult, becomes
thirsty and requires more water
than usual during hot weather.
Therefore, boiled, cool water should
be given freely when desired by the
baby between feelings. Never give
the baby tea, coffee or alcohol.
The same degree of cleanliness
should also be practiced with every
thing that comes in contact with the
baby, as with its food and utensils
for feeding. All of its clothing and
bed clothing, and, especially its
diapers, should be kept scrupulous-
ly clean. 1t should also be protect
ed from flies by screens or netting
Its body should be bathed once a
day with cool or tepid water; in
very hot weather a cool bath twice
day is not too often. A sponge
at intervals of three or four hours is
of benefit, If the baby appears to be
suffering from the heat.
Keep close watch on the baby's
bowels. If it vomits and is fretful
and has disturbed sleep, it needs
medical attention and doctor
should be called at once.