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The card for the hand-fed babies is only distributed in those
cases where the baby is already weaned, or is about to be weaned
under medical advice. It is desirable that some such precaution
should be observed, for it is possible that the indiscriminate distribution
of literature that assists mothers to bring up their babies
by hand might have a tendency to discourage breast-feeding.
The hand-feeding card is as follows:—
BOROUGH OF HAMPSTEAD.
public health department.
Advice on the Rearing of Infants.
(These directions are intended for babies who cannot be fed
at the breast.)
If possible the baby should be fed at the breast for at least nine
months. Mother's milk is by far the best food for babies. Anything
else, even the best cow's milk, is but a poor substitute for mother's
milk.
But if you cannot feed your baby at the breast, feed the baby on
cow's milk. Never give solid food, such as bread, biscuits, tops and
bottoms, or anything but milk until the baby is twelve months old,
unless your doctor orders it.
The milk should be given in a bottle with a short teat, or in a
spoon. On no account whatever should you use the bottle with the
long tube.
Cow's milk must be prepared with great care, or it will not
agree with the baby. Prepare the milk in the following way:—
When you receive the milk from the milkman, put it in a very
clean jug, and keep it closely covered so as to keep out dust and
flies. Place the jug in cold water and store it in the coolest place
you have.
In summer boil all the milk when you receive it from the
milkman, and then cool it before putting it in the jug.
Make up each meal in the following way:—
For a Baby under Two Weeks old.
Milk, 1 table-spoonful; water, 2 table-spoonfuls. Mix and then
warm. Give this to the baby every two hours in the day and every
four hours at night.
For a Baby from a Fortnight to Two Months old.
Milk, l½ table-spoonfuls, gradually increasing to 3; water, 8
table-spoonfuls. Mix and warm. Feed as before.