Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 January 1912 — Fresh Air for the Baby [ARTICLE]

Fresh Air for the Baby

ONE FUNDAMENTAL PROPOfIITION, namely, that fresh air in unquantity is as essential to growth and development as proper food, was agreed upon at tbe start in the this physically splendid little man. Baby eras born In May and was kept practically all of the hours of daylight on a screened and sheltered porch, while at night the open windows let in a flood cf air which at first almost startled the grandmother. to whose tender care Providence had consigned him. While for the first two or three months just the right .modifications of food for perfect assimilation could not be found, there was no question of the beneficial results from the fresh air: There was not the desired increase in weight, but despite this the vigor of the Utile man showed a marked gain from day to day. Then food and stomach became adjusted, and he soon caught up to the average weight for his age, while in strength, lung and chest development he was above normal. As cold weather approached, Grandmother, with some misgivings, obeyed the pater's orders, and Baby daUy took his morning nap on the porch. This porch faces the west and is protected on the north and south sides. The basinet is of heavy wicker, having a high protective hood, alstj of wicker, at one end. With this protecting him from the wind. Baby was t) and is (for he still daily naps in this basinet on the porch) safe from all drafts, at the same time breathing nothing but the pure, outdoor air. The weather grew colder, and despite occasional warning shakes of the head by scandalized neighbors, Master . Baby continued bis two or three-hour outdoor nap, coming into tjra-house so clear-eyed, red of cheek and altogether happy that he was a Joy to look upon. Rfght here let me say that this vigorous and vigor-bring-ing method had net only the doctor's sanction, but his enthusiastic indorsement. ifi January the thermometer dropped until it threatened to burst the bulb, Ther quo moning, at the usual hour for Baby’s nap, it registered 20 degrees below zero, and Grandmother’s courage was shaken. But Pater said, “Try it,” and out Baby went,' warmly wrapped, hooded so that naugnt but his little face was exposed, and this protected so far as possible. Every little while Grandmother ran out to see that the dot ot a nose was not getting nipped or the cheek pinched. And Baby slept, quietly, comfortably, his usual two hours, and then came in ruddy, smilingj, bubbling pver with life. The direct result of this vigorous treatment was an abounding energy—not a nervous, fretful energy, but a wholesome healthful desire to use up the surplus vitality generated by the perfect combustion in the constantly expanding lungs. Throwing his. feet up until, often, his toes touched his forehead, the youngster would kick for half an hour at a stretch, crowing and laughing from pure joy in finding expression for the abounding life within him, He was never too tired to kick, and he was encouraged in this exercise at all times of day, his grandmother sometimes undressing him and putting him on the bed for just this purpose, taking care, of course, that the room was sufficiently warm and free from all drafts. “Muscular exercise and fresh air are absolutely necessary to the child to promote growth and development of all Vital organs, 'the brain included,’’ says Professor Tyler. Baby was getting both without stint, and has proven the trutnof the statement. His peculiar fornrof exercise strengthened back, legs and shoulders, while it was a most efficient stimulant for kidneys and other Internal organs which are Inclined to be sluggish In action at this period. > / At four and one-half months he sat bolt upright in his high chair with no sign of weakness in hie straight, broad, little back. On hw first birthday he held himself alone on a clothesline. At fourteen months he had sixteen beautifully shaped and well-placed teeth. At this time he had mastered the art of creeping, and this he was encouraged to do to his heart’s content. Every day he splashed like a veritable amphibian In his bathtub, devoid of any trace of fear. r By taking advantage of traits which are his natural endowment, his development has been guided along-every line which has appeared to hold out distinct elements of advantage to him. he developed a tendency to do “stunts,” he was encouraged, not lo show off, but to make these a part of his play. This policy. has been persisted In, and at a year and a half he had acquired a somewhat elaborate re l pertolre of calisthenics as a part of his play. Introducing them whenever the notion occurred to hlmfl usually many times a day. Thus the energy which his big lungs and perfect assimilation of food famish him find an outlet which makes for still further upbuilding of the body. Just here it may be added that from the beginning he has spent out of doors very much time In addition to his morning nap. Every pleasant day his grandmother has wheeled him abroad, morning and afternoon In summer and at least once a day In winter. [ CORN DODGERS— -born dodgers should be made from the soft, ground, white oom meal. Mix three cupfuls of meal with a teaspoonful of salt, then add just enough actually boiling water to make a stiff paste. Quickly mold Into oval cakes, lay wall apart in greased pans, drop a Mt of batter on top of each and i bake crisp and brow n in a quick oven.' Serve very hot. BOGS STB WED WITH ONIONSSelect the small white onions, peel oae quart, parboil for sing minutes, ■thu drain, cover with equal qnantlties of water and milk and almmra very gently until tender, allowing the Mould to evaporate until but little it left, when done ttttn than info r pint of white sauce, add six hard bCOed tffls nut in quarters and stiff mar gently tor ten minutes. Whec In the serving dish sprinkle witi