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16
During the year the following revision of the infant feeding
leaflet was circulated : —
The Metropolitan Borough of Finsburv.
THE CARE AND FEEDING OF INFANTS.
i.—Feeding.
Thousands of infants die every year from improper feeding.
If the mother has plenty of hreas' milk, the infant should not have any
other food until it is gradually weaned during the 8th or 9th month. During
the first 2 months it should not be suckled oftener than every 2 hours, and
after the 3rd month not oftener than every 3 hours. Regularity in feeding
is most important. Do not feed between meals " just to keep the baby quiet."
During the suckling period the mother requires good plain wholesome
food, including milk or milk puddings. Beer or other stimulants are not
desirable unless ordered by the doctor.
If the mother has not sufficient milk, it should be supplemented with
cow's milk and water, or barley water, made as below.
If the mother cannot suckle her child, it should be fed with cows' milk
and water, or barley water, with a little sugar added (as below). Skimmed
milk should not be used. It is best to boil the milk, especially in summer.
During the first fortnight. Boil together ¼ pint of fresh milk, ½ pint
of water, and a small tablespoonful of sugar, and keep in a clean corked
bottle or covered jug. Three tablespoonfuls of this should be given
every 2 hours.
Between 2 weeks and 2 months. — Boil together ½ pint milk, ¾ pint of
water and a tablespoonful of sugar. Five tablespoonfuls should be
given every 2 hours.
During the 3rd and 4th months.—Boil together ¾ pint milk, ¾ pint
water, and a tablespoonful of sugar. Eight tablespoonfuls to be given
every 2½ or 3 hours.
During $th to gth months. Boil together 1 pint of milk (5th month)
1¼ pint (6th month), 1½ pint of milk (7th to 9th month), with ¾ pint
water, and a tablespoonful of sugar. 10 to 12 tablespoonfuls to be
given every 3 hours.
Use a boat-shaped feeding bottle, with a rubber teat and no tube.
After each feed the bottle and teat should be well washed in hot water
and soda, and kept in clean water. Never keep food over in the bottle
for the next meal.