BABY
PLAYTIME
It's Baby Playtime! He's very active
now and needs space to play. Put him in his playpen both indoors and out (the
same pen can be used) for regular playtimes with his toys —rattle, cloth or
knitted doll, and a soft ball. A porch is ideal for his outdoor play, or in warm
weather, the pen can be put on the grass. Be sure it's in the shade if the
weather is hot.
BABY GRADUATES TO OVERALLS
Now that the baby is entering into a more active phase,
there will necessarily be some changes in his wardrobe.
The shirt and diaper remain his basic dress, but when he's on the floor and
outdoors, little overalls or coveralls should take the place of dresses or
kimonos.
If he's outgrowing his nightgowns, he's ready for sleeping garments with legs,
feet.
In warm weather, a sleeveless cotton shirt or sun suit, and a diaper are enough.
A diaper alone may even be sufficient. In cooler or cold weather, a sweater or
coat, clap, mittens, and leggings may be needed in addition to the coveralls.
Make him as comfortable as possible. Clothe him as lightly or as warmly as is
necessary for this purpose. A well-nourished baby is more likely to suffer from
too much clothing rather than too little. Here you will have to use your own
judgment and check indoor and outside temperatures.
BABY HAS
A SAFE HIGH CHAIR FOR SITTING
Between five and seven months, most babies begin to sit
without support. Some can also pull themselves to a sitting position. When he
does this of his own accord, he's ready to leave your lap and arms, and sit
alone for play and eating times. Don't hurry the sitting process. The baby will
do this himself as soon as he's ready.
You'll need a safe chair in which he can eat his meals. You'll need high chairs
for babies. The high chair
should have a wide, sturdy base with safeguards to prevent the baby from tipping
it over. There should also be a means of strapping him into the chair to keep
him from standing up or sliding out when you're not looking.
A low table, with an inset seat, is very satisfactory and serves the baby until he's 2 years of age or older. The table
top around him serves the double purpose of keeping the baby in and giving him something to eat or play on. Don't place his
chair or table near a stove, adult's table, electric fixtures, or draperies. He's grabbing
at everything now.
HE GETS A SOCIAL LIFE
It's good for the baby to see
outside people, but his eating and sleeping schedule should on no account be disturbed. Visitors may play with
him
during his social hours. Don't be too concerned if he shows fear of strangers. As Baby develops an awareness of his
surroundings, it is perfectly natural for him to react in such a manner when
confronted with unfamiliar persons and even objects
Its also nice for him to join the family circle while munching on his zwieback and
for a time before the evening meal, he should not be over handled.
As the baby widens his contacts, shield him from people with colds or infections. |