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Hence it is that these deaths are called preventible deaths, since
it is reasonable to conclude that if proper care in feeding was exercised
in every case where it is required their number would be very considerably
reduced.
In previous reports I have urged the desirability of distributing
pamphlets dealing with artificial feeding and management of infants,
and for this purpose I have formulated the following rules, so that a
copy of these may be given to parents on the registration of infants
from this District,
1. The mother's milk is the natural and only proper food for an
infant, for the first 8 or 9 months of life. Up to this
period the necessary juices to digest any other food than
milk are not formed; so that bread, biscuits, rusks and all
other starchy foods must be strictly avoided, even if mixed
with milk.
2. If for any reason the infant connot be nursed, cow's milk is
the next best food The milk should be boiled before use.
For the first two months there should be twice as much water
as milk, a piece of lump sugar to sweeten it, and a pinch of
salt added. From 2 to 3 months use equal parts of milk
and water. From 3 to 6 months one third part of water.
3. Times for feeding and amount of food:—For the first month
a baby should be fed every two hours in the day-time,
one to two ounces of food prepared as above being given
each time. By gradually increasing the interval he is in
time fed every 3 hours (between the ages of 3 and 4
months), and eventually 4 hours at the age of 6 to 8
months.
4. When 8 months old the baby may be allowed in addition to
milk, boiled bread and milk, baker's rusks, oatmeal, arrowroot
or wheat flour.
When about 9 months old he should have less of the mother's
milk or bottle, and more of these foods, or a little beef tea
or mutton broth.
5. Weaning.—At one year old the baby should be entirely
weaned, and soon should have every day a little undercooked
meat pounded to a pulp, with gravy and salt, or a
little milk pudding.
On no account should he be allowed wine, beer, spirits, tea or
coffee, though he may have cocoa and milk.
6. Meals should be given regularly, and he should not be
allowed to pick at bread, cake, sweets, fruit, &c., between
meals.