CHAPTER VII.
CLOTHING FOR OLDER CHILDREN.
I SKETCHED in Chapter V. a new system of clothing infants, and if that plan be adopted no change in dress is required at the usual period for short-coating; this is a saving both in economy and in health, for such sudden changes as that from the ordinary long robes to the ordinary short ones are dangerous, especially at the time when it is usually made, namely, when the nervous system of the child is in a very irritable condition owing to teething.
Boys and girls should be dressed alike until the boys are breeched, and when they begin to walk a change may be made from the baby dress.
They should then wear next the skin a long-sleeved and high-necked vest, over this a high-necked flannel bodice, with or without sleeves, and fitting to the figure, to which the drawers and petticoat should be buttoned, so as to distribute their weight evenly.
The combination garment of vest and drawers
