The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-01-22
MIDWINTER CARE OF.
BABY
From State Dept. of Health.

Speaking OF the care that is
necessary to keep the well baby well,
in midwinter-the season OF coughs
and colds and pneumonia-Dr j. H.
Mason Knox, Jr., Chief of the
Bureau of Child Hygiene of the
State Department of Health said:
MANY young mothers breathe sigh
of relief when the hot summer sea-
son passes, because of the popular
opinion that with it passes the time
of greatest danger; and that when
the cool weather sets in, their fears
for their children can be put aside.
The truth of the matter is that with
in recent years so much improve
ment has taken place in the care
and feeding of the baby in hot
weather that this season has lost
much of it's terror.
''In the cold weather disturbances
of the respiratory tract such as the
common cold, tonsilitis, influenza,
bronchitis, pneumonia and other in
fections are much more prevalent
than in 1.-THE summer. In fact, in
many communities they may de-
stroy more lives in the winter than
the intestinal diseases do in the
summer.
Moreover, the respiratory infec-
lions are more difficult to combat.
Much however, can be done, by in
creasing the child's resistance to
disease, and by avoiding infection.
Resistance to disease can be in
creased in the following ways:
First BY Proper Food-In the
winter when green vegetables are
hard to secure and the milk is from
cows. fed on grain; it is important
to supplement the usual diet with a
small quantity of cod liver oil, one
to three teaspoonfulls about one
half hour after two meals.
Second, BY Plenty OF Sunshine
Make the most of all the. sunshine
there is by having the children out
in good weather when the sun is
high.
Third, By Plenty or Fresh Air,
Day and Night-Windows should be
open at night, but keep the child
protected from drafts. II the child
develops cough close, the window
and provide ventilation from the
next room. Do not have the day
time temperature of the child's room
over 70 degrees.
Fourth, By Dressing The Child
According To The Weather-Have
additional clothing on when the
child goes out. The amount OF
clothing should be determined by
the temperature, not by the season.
The baby's feet should be kept warm
at all times.
Fifth, BY Care In Bathing-A cool
sponge and a rub afterwards with Q
coarse towel are stimulating and
helpful.
I'VE cannot over emphasize the
Importance OF protecting the children
from infections. Most infectious dis
eases. common in infancy and child
hood are spread through the secre-
lions of. the nose and mouth. There
fore, baby should be protected from
this danger by keeping him away
from those who have colds, coughs
and fevers.
A little vaseline in the nostrils at
night is helpful in the winter. 1t Is
especially important that those suf-
feing from colds, or the various in
fictitious diseases should be careful
that they do not cough, or sneeze, or
speak so that the droplets OF saliva
will reach we'll children.
People who are convalescent
from an infectious disease, may
carry the infection in the discharges
from the nose and throat for several
days after they feel well and so
spread it to others with whom they
come in contact.
1.-The winter is the time when
children are brought together in
closer contact at home and in the
schools, consequently the occur
renee of respiratory infections is
| highest in cold weather.
Summing up those suggestions
to keep the baby or young child well
| through the winter:
Feed him properly so as to avoid
ricketts,; and build up his resistance
to disease.
Dress him according to the
temperature.
Keep the house well ventilated
and take the baby out in the fresh
air and sunlight as the weather
permits.
"Give him a cool sponge and a
vigorous rub down every morning.
Keep him away from every one
who has cold or other respira-
tory infection"
WHERE THEY CAME FROM
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