The Baby’s Comfort

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 2, 1907

The Baby’s Comfort

A WRITER in an exchange says, most sensibly: “If babies could speak, how many piteous complaints we should hear of the annoyances given them by well-meaning visitors! So many people rush up to an infant, talk nonsense in a loud voice, or cover him with kisses. Sometimes the tiny victim will scream and refuse to be pacified until the mother or nurse rescues him from his tormentor; sometimes he stands it in silence. But very few babies like sudden familiarity from strange persons. By the end of the fourth month, they can generally recognize people, and while it is well to accustom them to the sight of strangers, they should not be subjected to the shock of being caught into unfamiliar arms, or shouted at by unfamiliar voices. Do not allow the little baby to be violently tossed into the air in order to make him laugh and crow. Baby is a very delicate creature, and should be handled very delicately and gently. Do not allow ‘romps’ with the baby just before bedtime. His playtime should be just after his morning nap. We are warned that babies should not be kissed on the mouth. Consumption, diphtheria, throat diseases, mouth diseases, and many other dreadful things may be contracted—and frequently are—in this way. It is very hard to resist kissing a baby, but the baby has rights of his own, and his health and happiness are of far greater importance than our pleasure. Be good to the baby.”—Selected.