London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Tottenham 1914
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham District]
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III. During the fifth and sixth months: Once every three hours
during the day, and twice during the night.
IV. After the sixth month: Once every three or four hours during
the day, and once only during the night.
5. The cows'milk should be diluted according to the following table:—
| Age of Child. | Milk Tablespoons. | Water or Barley Water Tablespoons. | No. of Meals in 24 hours. |
|---|---|---|---|
| During 1st fortnight | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| „ 2nd ,, | 1½ | 3 | 8 |
| „ 2nd month | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| ,, 3rd „ | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| ,, 4th „ | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| „ 5th „ | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| „ 6th „ | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| „ 7th „ | 9 | 4 | 6 |
| „ 8th „ | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| „ 9th „ | 12 | 4 | 6 |
A little sugar should be added to each meal, and a small teaspoonful
of cream.
6. Bottles with long rubber tubes should not be used. When not in
use the bottle should be cleansed and left in a basin of cold water with
a pinch of bicarbonate of soda or borax dissolved in the water.
7. Cows' milk intended for the feeding of infants should be quite
fresh. It should be brought to a temperature just short of boiling point,
and removed to a cool place and closely covered.
8. Prepare only one meal at a time, and throw away what is not used.
9. Condensed milk and patent infants' foods should only be used
under medical advice.
10. From 8 to 12 months the child may be given plain milk pudding, or
bread and milk. After 12 months, bread and gravy may be given, and
after 18 months a little meat may be added to the dietary.
Barley Water is made by washing two ounces of pearl barley in cold
water, and boiling in one pint of water for 20 minutes in a covered
vessel. Strain before using. This must be prepared daily.
A baby should gain on an average 4 to 5 oz. every week.
Mothers are invited to bring their babies to the Hall behind the
Council Buildings to be weighed, on Mondays between 2 and 4 p.m.