OUR BABIES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 94, 20 December 1913, Page 7

OUR BABIES.

EXERCISE IX CiEXERAI

(By Hygcia.)

Regarding exercises in general, Professor Holt says; “This is no less important in infancy than in later childhood. An infant gets its exercise in the lusty cry which follows the cool sponge of the bath, in kicking its legs about, waving its arms, etc. By these means lung expansion and muscular development are increased, and the general nutrition promoted. An infant’s clothing should be such' as not to interfere with its exercise. Confinement of the legs should not bo permitted. I have often had a chance to observe the bad results which follow when very young infants are allowed to lie in the cribs nearly all the time. Little by little the vital processes flag, the cry becomes feeble, the weight is first stationary, then there is a steady loss. The appetite fails, so:that food is at first taken without relish, then at times altogether refused p later vomiting ensiles ,and other symptoms of indigestion. This, in many cases, is the beginning of a steady downward course, which goes on until a condition of hopeless marasmus is reached. Such infants must bo taken up every few hours and carried about; the position should bo frequently changed, and general friction of the .intiro body employed at least twice a lay. Every means must bo made use of to stimulate the vital activity. The value of systematic attention to these mat'tsrs cannot be overestimated. Infants who are old enough to creep un stand usually take sufficient exerase unless they are restrained. At this age they should be allowed to do' what they, are eager to dp. Every facility should be afforded for using their muscles. Exercise may bo encouraged by placing upon the floor in i warm room a mattress or a thick comfortable,’ and allowing the infant o roll and tumble upon it at will. A argo bed may answer the same purjose. A nursery fence 2ft. high, made o surround a mattress, is an excellent levice, and makes a convenient boxitall for the young animal, where it ;an learn to use both its arms and legs vithout the danger of injury. Only by ixercises such as this do the muscles mve an opportunity to develop prolerly.” '•i

When speaking of the evil effects of Plowing infants to lie too much,in, their ■ribs, Professor Holt refers specially to vhat; he has seen in institutions or ‘homes” where a number of babies ire kept. Indeed, it is a rnafter of general observation)| by the, pnthoriios that babicyp ,in so-called homes ‘Vends to suffer as described,whereas the labios in a,-normal family tend baVe dfajir share of handling and change of location, and are benefited .according-