Fig. 172. Reverse side of card in Fig. [171].
Moreover, it does not ordinarily devolve upon the nurse to do more than prepare and give the baby’s food as ordered by the doctor, but situations sometimes do arise when the doctor is not within reach which the nurse must meet as best she can. In such an emergency she might be guided by the following suggestions contained in a pamphlet entitled, “Save the Babies,” prepared by Dr. L. Emmet Holt and Dr. H. K. L. Shaw and published by the American Medical Association, remembering that they are intended for the average, normal baby and are not necessarily suitable for all babies:
“The simplest plan is to use whole milk (from a shaken bottle) which is to be diluted according to the child’s age and digestion.
“Beginning on the third day, the average baby should be given 3 ounces of milk daily, diluted with seven ounces of water. To this should be added one tablespoonful of lime water and 2 level teaspoonfuls of sugar. This should be given in seven feedings.
“At one week, the average child requires 5 ounces of milk daily, which should be diluted with 10 ounces of water. To this should be added 1½ even tablespoonfuls of sugar and one ounce of lime water. This should be given in seven feedings.
“The milk should be increased by ½ ounce about every 4 days.
“The water should be increased by ½ ounce about every 8 days.
“At three months the average child requires 16 ounces of milk daily, which should be diluted with 16 ounces of water. To this should be added 3 tablespoonfuls of sugar and 2 ounces of lime water. This should be given in 6 feedings.
“The milk should be increased by ½ ounce about every 6 days.