The Care and Feeding of Children Part 3

The average is about eighteen months. It seldom closes earlier than fourteen months, and it should not be open at two years.

_At what age should a child hold up its head?_

As a rule during the fourth month, and often during the third month, the head can be held erect when the body is supported.

_When does an infant first laugh aloud?_

Usually from the third to the fifth month.

_When does it begin to reach for toys and handle them?_

Usually from the fifth to the seventh month.

_At what age should a child be able to sit and to stand alone?_

At seven or eight months a healthy child is usually able to sit erect and support the body. During the ninth and tenth months are usually seen the first attempts to bear the weight upon the feet, and at eleven or twelve months most children can stand with a.s.sistance.

_When should a child walk alone?_

The first attempts are generally seen in the twelfth or thirteenth month. At fifteen or sixteen months the average child is able to run alone.

_What conditions postpone these events?_

Prematurity, a very delicate const.i.tution, any severe or prolonged illness, and especially chronic disturbances of digestion making feeding difficult. A common cause of late sitting, standing, or walking is rickets.

_Should a child be urged to walk?_

Never; he is usually quite willing to do so as soon as his muscles and bones are strong enough. None of the contrivances for teaching children to walk are to be advised.

_When do children begin to talk?_

Generally at one year a child can say "papa" and "mamma" or other single words. At the end of the second year the average child is able to put words together in short sentences.

_If at two years the child makes no attempt to speak, what should be suspected?_

Either that the child is a deaf-mute or that it is mentally deficient, although this is occasionally seen in children who are only very backward.

_Table showing the Average Weight, Height, and Circ.u.mference of Head and Chest of Boys_[1]

At birth Weight 7-1/2 pounds.

Height 20-1/2 inches.

Chest 13-1/2 "

Head 14 "

One year Weight 21 pounds.

Height 29 inches.

Chest 18 "

Head 18 "

Two years Weight 26-1/2 pounds.

Height 32-1/2 inches.

Chest 19 "

Head 19 "

Three years Weight 31 pounds.

Height 35 inches.

Chest 20 "

Head 19-1/2 "

Four years Weight 35 pounds.

Height 38 inches.

Chest 20-3/4 "

Head 19-3/4 "

Five years Weight 41 pounds.

Height 41-1/2 inches.

Chest 21-1/2 "

Head 20-1/2 "

Six years Weight 45 pounds.

Height 44 inches.

Chest 23 "

Seven years Weight 49-1/2 pounds.

Height 46 inches.

Chest 23-1/2 "

Eight years Weight 54-1/2 pounds.

Height 48 inches.

Chest 24-1/2 "

Nine years Weight 60 pounds.

Height 50 inches.

Chest . 25 "

Ten years Weight 66-1/2 pounds.

Height 52 inches.

Chest 26 "

The above weights are with ordinary house clothes.

[1] Weights for the first four years are without clothes.

The weight of girls is on the average about one pound less than boys. They are about the same in height.

Charts showing weight curve for the first year, and from one year to fourteen years are given at the end of this book.