For the first Canadians, the immediate care involved a bath in the stream; even in winter, 'to fortify their skin against the rigour of bitter cold'; the swaddling of fur, a moss diaper, and a good dose of melted fat; but the European-Canadians preferred a more scientific approach.
When I baby was born they would be bathed in wine, 'to give them strength and vitality', and according to the 1869 Housekeepers Encyclopedia: "New born infants should be wrapped in soft flannel as soon as born. The naval should be dressed with mutton tallow warmed, and spread on soft, fine linen, with a dusting of nutmeg grated over the tallow." By the 1890's Light on Dark Corners offered this advise:
2. Many physicians recommend a thorough oiling of the child with pure lard or olive oil, and then rub dry as above stated. By these means water is avoided, and with it much risk of taking cold.
3. The application of brandy or liquor is entirely unnecessary, and generally does more harm than good.
5. DRESSING THE NAVAL - There is nothing better for dressing the naval than absorbent cotton. There needs be no grease or oil upon the cotton. After the separation of the cord the naval should be dressed with a little cosmoline (a heavy petroleum used as a rust preventitive), still using the absorbant cotton. The naval sting usually separates in a week's time; if it may be delayed for twice this length of time; this will make no material difference, and the rule is to allow it to drop off on it's own accord.
6. THE CLOTHING OF THE INFANT - The clothing of the infant should be light, soft and perfectly loose (more on this on Clothing page)
7. THE DIAPER - Diapers should be of soft linen, and great care should be exercised not to pin them too tightly. Never dry them, but always wash them thoroughly before being used again.
8. The band need not be worn after the naval has healed so that it requires no dressing, as it serves no purpose save to keep in place the dressing of the naval. The child's body should be kept thoroughly warm around the chest, bowls and feet. Give the heart and lungs pleantly of room to heave.
9. The proper time for shortening the clothes is about three months in Summer and six motnhs in Winter.
10. INFANT BATHING - The first week of a child's life, it should not be entirely stripped and washed. It is too exhausting. After a child is over a week old it should be bathed every day; after a child is three weeks old, it may be put in the water and supported with one hand while it is being washed with the other. Never, however, allow it to remain too long in the water. From ten to twenty minutes is the limit. Use Pear's soap or castile soap, and with a sponge wipe quickly, or use a soft towel.
Out of the everywhere into here.
Where did you get the eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.
Where did you get that little tear?
I found it waiting when 1 got here.
What makes your forehead so smooth and high?
A soft hand stroked it as 1 went by.
What makes your cheek like a warm, white rose?
1 saw something better than anyone knows.
Whence that three-cornered smile of bliss?
Three angels gave me at once a kiss.
Where did you get this pretty ear?
God spoke and it came out to hear.
Where did you get those arms and hands?
Love made itself into hooks and bands.
Feet, whence did you come, you darling things?
From the same box as the cherub's wings.
How did they all come just to be you?
God thought of me, and so 1 grew.
But how did you come to us, you dear?
God thought about you, and so 1 am here.
Babies often slept in the same beds as their mothers, some in bureau drawers, others in hand made wooden cradles. Some of the cradles had rockers, others were built to swing. Some had hoods and quite a few had wooden pegs over which cords were laced to keep the baby in place. Some cradles were open at the foot so that when placed in front of the fire, the baby's feet could be warmed. Pillows were allowed, but not too many, "because if the head is too warm the nervous irritability increases". (1849 A Treatise on Domestic Economy)
