A baby does not need to be dressed up; in fact, he will be more comfortable in his nightgown with a wrapper or sweater over it when he is out of bed. Do not bundle him up too much. If he wears a cap, be sure it is a light, knitted one so he can breathe through it if it slips down over his nose. Do not use a pillow in his bassinet or basket. Tuck the sheets and blankets securely under the mattress.
Let him sleep on his stomach most of the time. His head may become flattened on one side if he is accustomed to sleeping that way —but this will not be permanent. Incidentally, if his head is egg-shaped, that will not last, either. The soft spot on the top of his head (the fontanelle) is tough, so you can touch it safely.
Change his napkins when they are soiled; when they are wet, change them if he fusses or if you are picking him up anyway. Shake soiled napkins into the toilet before placing them in a covered pail of water. Boil them or wash them in very hot water with a mild washing powder, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them outdoors if possible. If you detect an ammonia-like odour on the napkins, be sure to boil them, using a napkin bleach in the last rinsing water; this will help prevent napkin rash. Many women prefer to use a professional napkin service.
When you pick your baby up, support his body by putting one of your hands under his head and the other lower down. When you carry him, hold him on your shoulder with his head leaning over it a little so it will not bob backwards. He will need support of this kind until he is about three months old.
Every baby is bound to be exposed to some germs, but do not expose him to unnecessary ones. The fewer people outside of his family circle with whom he has contact, the better. He does not need visitors. There should be no kissing from visitors and no visitors with colds or sore throats. Be very firm about this.
*179\68\2*
