View report page

189
4.—During the suckling period the mother should take plenty
of good, plain, nourishing food, but should avoid beer, wines and
spirits, unless under advice. The mother should wash her nipples
each time before and after suckling, and also wash out the baby's
mouth. By these means, thrush and cracked nipples may be avoided.
weaning.
5.—Select a time when the child is free from any illness. Do
not wean an infant during July, August or September, when there is
so much risk of Diarrhœa,
hand feeding.
the bottle.
6. —Bottles without tubes should be used. Two should be
provided. They should simply be fitted with a large indiarubber
teat, which can be turned inside out for washing. A round
hole should be bored in the teat with a heated needle, the hole
being of such a size that the milk flows out in drops when the
bottle is held upside down. After use the bottle should rinsed
and scalded, and allowed to drain while the other bottle is being
used. Once a day each bottle and teat should be boiled. This can
be done without breaking the bottle, by putting it in a saucepan
full of cold water and gradually bringing to the boil. A piece of
clean rag should be put under the bottle to prevent it resting on the
bottom of the pan.
The food.
7.—Specially prepared mixtures of milk and cream are the best
substitute for mother's milk; most infants, however will thrive on.
cow's milk mixed with thin barley water, if constant care is taken to
prepare it properly and to use a suitable form of bottle. Only milk
that is perfectly fresh and of good quality should be used for the
baby's food. Before use the milk should be at the temperature of the
hand, i.e., 98 degrees Fahrenheit, or blood heat. If the child does
not thrive on cow's milk and barley water, medical advice should be
sought.
8. Barley Water is made by boiling two traspoonsful of patent
barley in a pint of water. Always prepare fresh at least once a day.
Do not increase the quantity of barley or boil too long, and so make
the barley water thick. Add this to the milk and boil the mixture.
It should be sweetened with a small lump of sugar added to each
bottle.