Watching Baby’s Comfort

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Oct 25, 1906

Watching Baby’s Comfort

EVEN during the hot months, care must be taken that the baby does not suffer from changes of temperature. Our hottest days often begin with a very cool morning; or, a breeze may spring up at nightfall, giving us a cool night. It is much easier to add a light outer garment in the morning, or put on a heavier gown at night, than to cure a cold which, however slight, may bring on a hazardous bowel trouble. As the day advances, and the temperature rises, the outer garment may be laid aside. It is a real pain to one who is observant, and who loves babies, to see the little limbs roughen with “goose bumps,” and mottle with cold, to which appearance the thoughtless mother gives no heed, and yet wonders “how on earth the baby got the snuffles,” or what he has eaten to derange his little stomach. It is a pitiful thing to see the girl mother’s ignorance as to the meaning of the most glaring symptoms of discomfort and threatened illness of the baby she so dearly loves, yet exposes to such trying risks. Before we cry out for more children, let us teach our girls and boys the responsibilities of parenthood—the intelligent care of those given to them. Better one live, healthy baby than dozens of diseased or dead ones. If it is a truth that a baby has the right to be “well-born,” it is of equal importance that the little body should be intelligently cared for.—The Commoner.