Thirdly, to the state of the bowels.—­These must be carefully watched, that they may not become confined; it being necessary that they should be gently relaxed at this time.  If a slight diarrhoea is present, it must not be checked; if it pass beyond this, however, medicine must be had recourse to, and great benefit will also arise from putting the child into a warm hip-bath, and warmly clothing the body, but keeping the head cool.

Fourthly, to the head.—­The infant’s head should be washed with cold water night and morning, and no other covering than that which nature has provided should be put upon it when within doors or asleep; and on no occasion should warm felt or velvet hats be worn during mild or warm weather, straw or white hats being much lighter and cooler.  The child should be much in the open air.

The sponging of the infant’s body daily, either with cold or tepid water, must depend upon the season of the year and constitution of the child, as well as upon other circumstances.  Sponging the head with cold water night and morning is almost invariably atttended with great benefit, and may be resorted to in every case without fear; and now and then the use of the warm hip-bath, for several days together, will be ordered by the physician, which, by acting upon the skin, diminishes the determination of blood to the head, and thus forms an important source of relief.

Fifthly, of convulsions.—­If they should occur, and they are not unfrequently excited by difficult teething, and then give great alarm to the parent, relief will be afforded by immersing the hips, legs, and feet of the infant in water as warm as can be borne, and at the same time applying over the head and temples a piece of flannel wet with cold water.  I have also often cut the fit short by sprinkling cold water in the child’s face while in the bath.  The gums should always be looked to, and if they appear swollen, and painful, at once lanced.  I have known the most formidable convulsions to cease immediately after this operation.

Sixthly, of the use of opiates.—­It is the practice with some nurses to administer narcotics to quiet infants while teething.  It is not only objectionable, but, from the uncertain effects of sedatives upon infants, a very dangerous practice, and they ought never to be given, except at the suggestion of a medical man.  It is far better, if the child is restless at night, to have it frequently taken out of its cot, and carried about in an airy room; for the cool air, and change of posture, will do much to allay the feverishness and restlessness of the child.