low table, place another low table to the right of the one on which the tub sets, and on this table should be the baby’s basket containing a soft brush, different sizes of pins in a pin-cushion, several threaded needles, a thimble, squares of soft linen, absorbent cotton, wooden tooth-picks, a powder-box and puff, or a powder-shaker containing pure talcum powder, a box of bismuth subnitrate, one of cold cream, a tube of white vaselin, a dish containing castile, ivory, or pure French soap should be placed by the basket on the table; also a cup containing a saturated solution of boric acid; two cheese-cloth washcloths, a soft towel, a thermometer to test the water, several toothpicks on which a little absorbent cotton is twisted, and the rolled flannel band.  Then a basin containing warm water, 98 to 100 degrees F., also one with cold water.  The baby-clothes should be hung on a rack close at hand.

[All about baby 549]

How to take care of a sore navel.—­If it looks red or has a thin discharge coming from it, wash it carefully twice a day with saturated solution of boric acid; or if pus is there use a 1-5000 solution of bichloride of mercury.  Use for a dusting powder one part of salicylic acid and nineteen parts of starch on it.  It needs a physician’s attention if it does not soon heal.

Do any physicians advocate a daily bath before the cord drops off?  Yes; but not a full tub bath.

When does the cord drop off?  In from five to ten days.

Does soap hurt a baby’s skin?  Some doctors claim it does.

Is it necessary to use a powder after the bath?  No, if all moisture is removed, there is no need of powder.  The skin can be kept cleaner and healthier without it.

GENITAL ORGANS.

When is circumcision needed?  Usually when the foreskin is very long and very tight, so that one must use force to push it back, and always if it produces local irritation.

How should you clean the genitals of a female child?  Use good absorbent cotton and warm water, with a solution of boric acid if necessary, about two teaspoonfuls to a pint of warm water.  This should be done once a day.

Is the hood of the clitoris ever too tight?  Yes, and it needs to be loosened and kept so, or it will produce irritation and sometimes convulsions.

How should you wash the genitals of a male child?  In infants and children, this should be attended to daily.  The foreskin should be pushed back and the parts washed with absorbent cotton and water.  Tight foreskin and unclean parts induce trouble and bad habits.

TREATMENT FOR SORE EYES.

How should a newly-born baby’s eyes be treated?  They should be kept clean with a soft cloth and warm water.  Do not use the same piece of cloth for both eyes.