the age of the child and sufficiently varied to exercise all portions of
the body; but they should not be too violent nor too prolonged. Some
supervision of children's play is necessary, but they should be given as
much freedom as possible and allowed to develop their own initiative.

PLAY AND TOYS.--The desire for play does not develop until a child is
about six months old. At this age toys that can be washed, such as those
of hard or soft rubber, should be selected. A baby instinctively carries
everything to his mouth,--first his thumb, then playthings, and later
whatever he may find, no matter how unsuitable. For his safety and
protection this habit should be overcome as soon as possible, and he
must learn to put nothing in his mouth except food and drink. Relatives
are nearly always tempted to give too many and too fragile toys; they
merely teach a child to be destructive and constantly to expect
something new. Toys are the first possessions of which a child is
conscious, and through them many desirable qualities may be developed:
neatness and order, gentleness and a feeling of protection toward the
helpless doll or Teddy bear, and unselfishness in sharing special
treasures with playmates. Later the child may be given pets and made
responsible for their care; but animals should not be subjected to
unintentional cruelties from small children.

EXERCISES

1. What two factors are chiefly responsible for the deaths of babies
under a year old? What other factors contribute? In your city or town
what is the number of deaths per 1000 births of babies under one year
old?

2. Why is birth registration important to an individual? to a
community? Is it required by law in your city?

3. What is the average weight of babies at birth? Describe the rate at
which they should gain.

4. At what age may a normal child be expected to sit erect? to stand? to
walk? to speak? When should his first teeth appear? his permanent teeth?

5. Describe normal bowel movements of a baby.

6. How should a young baby be dressed?

7. Describe a baby's bath and toilet.

8. Describe the surroundings that are suitable for a baby.

9. What is the best food for a healthy baby? Why?

10. Describe in detail a good daily program for a healthy baby four
months old.

11. What habits are desirable for a baby to form, and how may he be
trained so that he will form them?

12. Name all the indications that would tell you when a baby was not
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