A Well-Aired Bed

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 14, 1905

THE well-made bed may present a very attractive appearance during the day, but the average chambermaid has so little knowledge of hygiene, and often cares less for the health of those whose beds she makes “the first thing in the morning.” How seldom are beds even aired for a few moments! We know of many beds made soon after the occupant has left them, not even opened any more than was necessary in getting out. Imagine this bed-clothing filled with the accumulations of bodily debris, and saturated with the odors and gases escaping from the sleeping body for the past eight or ten hours. How often are even the bedroom windows opened? We can readily understand the ill health to be derived from such unhealthful surroundings.

The prevalent custom in many houses for the maids to open the beds only a little, if any, before bedtime is merely a reminder of what ought to be done. A well-aired bed should be completely stripped every morning, and all the bed clothing and the mattress exposed to the sunlight and warm air. It would be well if this could last all day, and the bed be made at bedtime only. In many homes this would not be convenient; where it is not, the beds should not be made for at least two hours after the occupant has arisen for the day. Before bedtime the bed should be stripped again, and the sheets well aired; and if this is not practicable, then let the beds be well opened, the coverings, at least, thrown as far back as possible, a half-hour before bedtime.

There are many rooms so foul from grandpa’s or papa’s cigar smoke that restless nights and horrible dreams disturb the children’s slumber. Tobacco smoke is a poison for our children at night. And we must also have a good care of the gas fixtures; for illuminating gas, which can kill our plants and blacken our silver, although unnoticed by us in our daily lives, exerts a powerful influence for harm on the bodies of our precious little children. Let them have pure air always, by night as well as by day. Be sure to take off all the underclothing worn by the child during the day upon putting him to bed. The night flannel should be of lighter material than that in daily use. Underclothing should be spread out upon chairs or hung up for a good airing every night, and if possible in some other than the bed-chamber.—Babyhood.