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
Bethnal Green 1905
Report on the sanitary condition and vital statistics during the year 1905
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Table Showing the Number of Breast Feeds.
| Age. | Day. | Night. |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 months | Every 2 hours | Every 4 hours |
| After 2 months to end of 6 months | Every 4 hours | Twice at night |
| After 6 months till weaning begins | Every 3½ to 4 hours | Once at night |
If the child cannot be fed on the breast, cow's milk
with water (or barley water) added must be given.
Children fed at the breast obtain about one pint of
milk in 24 hours for the first few weeks.
This quantity gradually increases until in the latter
months it reaches about three pints.
These are the quantities of cow's milk and water (or
barley water) which should be given.
During the first month put twice as much water (or
barley water) as milk adding a teaspoonful of sugar.
At the end of a month gradually put more milk,
until at three months there is equal parts of milk and
water (or barley water).
At the end of three months gradually put more milk
in until at six months there is twice as much milk as
water (or barley water).
At the end of six months gradually put more milk in,
until all milk is being given by the time the child is
nine months old.
The number of meals should be the same as those
when the child is breast fed (see Table).