Part 60

The above proportion to be maintained, but the amount to be varied according to the age of the babe.

If at any time this disagrees, use instead Biedert's cream mixture or the whey mixture. When both of these fail it may be necessary to peptonize the food.

To peptonize milk:

No. 1

2 Tablespoons of milk. 2 Tablespoons of water. 1 Tablespoon of cream. 1 Small measure of peptogenic milk powder.

Put all into a clean porcelain-lined saucepan and heat it, stirring slowly until the mixture boils: this should not require more than ten minutes.

No. 2

A special preparation for sick or feeble infants, or those suffering from indigestion.

2 Tablespoons of milk. 2 Tablespoons of water. 1 Tablespoon of cream. 1 Small measure of peptogenic milk powder.

Put all into a bottle, shake it well, place it in a bath or kettle of hot water of a temperature of 115° Fahr. (so hot that the hand cannot be borne in it long without discomfort), and keep it at that temperature for exactly thirty minutes; then pour it into a saucepan, and heat quickly to the boiling point. By this method a very thorough predigestion takes place. The process should be stopped before the bitter taste is developed.

From the Sixth to the Tenth Month

Increase the proportion of milk and of Mellin's food, or other attenuant used.

4 Tablespoons of cow's milk. 3 Tablespoons of water. 1½ Teaspoons of cream. 1 Tablespoon of Mellin's food. ½ Teaspoon of milk-sugar.

Boil the water, then add the milk, Mellin's food, cream, and sugar, or put all together in a feeding-bottle, place in a kettle of water heated to 190° Fahr., and keep it at that temperature for one hour. This amount is only a general rule, and may, of course, be varied according to the age and individual need of the child. The proportion of the ingredients should, however, not be changed.

From the Tenth to the Twelfth Month

6 Tablespoons of cow's milk. 3 Tablespoons of water. 1½ Tablespoons of cream. 1 or 2 Tablespoons of Mellin's food. 1 Teaspoon of milk-sugar.

Mellin's Food with Condensed Milk. Although, as has been previously stated, condensed milk is not a proper food for children, there are times when it may be necessary to use it: for instance, in traveling, or when the daily supply of milk for any reason fails.

The usual mixture of condensed milk given to babies is one part of milk to twelve parts of water, the analysis of which shows the fat and casein to be in too small proportions. If more condensed milk be added, the sugar will be increased too much; but by increasing the water, and using Mellin's food and cream, a very good mixture may be obtained. The following is recommended:

1 Teaspoon condensed milk. 1 Tablespoon of Mellin's food. 8 Tablespoons of water (1 cup). 1 Teaspoon of cream.

Boil the water, then add the condensed milk, Mellin's food, and cream in the order in which they are mentioned, stirring until all is dissolved.

Nothing should be used during the first twelve months except liquid food, and that must not be of too great density.

Avoid any food which contains cellulose, or starch as such. Cellulose is but imperfectly if at all digested by grown persons; and starch, not being a natural kind of nourishment for an infant, is extremely liable to ferment and cause serious digestive disturbances.

It should be remembered that, although the chief function of a babe is to eat, sleep, and grow, its stomach cannot work all the time, and, consequently, the wise plan is to feed it only at regular intervals.

The best proof that a child is doing well is increase of weight, a healthy appearance, and lack of fretfulness. Sometimes, when restless, it is only a drink of water that it needs, as children suffer much from thirst in warm weather.

From the Twelfth to the Eighteenth Month

Continue with milk, undiluted with water, as the principal food. Use with it Mellin's food as before, Nestlé's food, Ridge's food, Imperial Granum, oatmeal porridge strained, soft custard, soft-cooked eggs, cocoa cooked in water, with milk added or cooked in milk, and cracker-crumbs boiled in water, with milk added.

After Eighteen Months

The same diet as for the previous six months, with the addition of scraped or pounded chicken, mutton, or beef; mashed baked potatoes with beef-juice poured over; toasted bread or toasted crackers rolled into crumbs, and soaked in milk or broth; junket, and plain, simple puddings, such as cream-of-rice, tapioca, and arrowroot.