ome more than two; but it is the character of the stools
rather than their number which is to be taken as the evidence of
perfect digestion.

_What is the appearance of a healthy movement of a child who is taking
nothing but milk?_

It is soft, yellow, and smooth, containing no lumps.

_When are the stools dark brown or black?_

While taking bismuth, iron, and sometimes when taking much meat or
beef juice; also while taking many of the prepared foods. They may be
dark brown or black from blood. This last is a condition which may
indicate serious illness.

_How may a child be trained to be regular in the action of its
bowels?_

By endeavouring to have them move at exactly the same time every day.

_At what age may an infant be trained in this way?_

Usually by the second month if training is begun early.

_What is the best method of training?_

A small chamber, about the size of a pint bowl, is placed between the
nurse's knees, and upon this the infant is held, its back being
against the nurse's chest and its body firmly supported. This should
be done twice a day, after the morning and afternoon feedings, and
always at the same hour. At first there may be necessary some local
irritation, like that produced by tickling the anus or introducing
just inside the rectum a small cone of oiled paper or a piece of soap,
as a suggestion of the purpose for which the baby is placed upon the
chamber; but in a surprisingly short time the position is all that is
required. With most infants, after a few weeks the bowels will move as
soon as the infant is placed on the chamber.

_What advantage has such training?_

It forms the habit of having the bowels move regularly at the same
hour, which is a matter of great importance in infancy and makes
regularity in childhood much easier. It also saves the nurse much
trouble and labour.

SLEEP

_Should a child sleep in the same bed with its mother or nurse?_

Under no circumstances, if this can possibly be avoided. Very young
infants have often been smothered by their mothers, by overlying
during sleep. If the infant sleeps with the mother, there is always
the temptation to frequent nursing at night, which is injurious to
both mother and child. Older children also should, if possible, have
separate beds; many contagious diseases and bad habits are contracted
by children sleeping together.

_How should an infant's bed be prepared?_

The mattress should be firm but soft, t