Should each feeding be prepared at the time it is given, or all feedings at one time, as during the first year?
During the second and third years it is better to prepare the milk for the entire day at one time. If it is to be modified by adding cream, water, etc., it is done as during the first year.
Later, when only plain milk is used, the quantities needed for the different feedings should be put into one or into two bottles, which then may be pasteurized or not as may be necessary. In this way the different feedings are kept separate, and the day's supply of milk is not disturbed every time the child is fed, as otherwise is unavoidable. The food should be prepared as soon as possible after the daily milk supply is delivered in the morning.
Give a proper diet for an average healthy child of twelve months.
| 6.30 A.M. | Milk, six to seven ounces; diluted with barley or oat gruel, two to three ounces; after the thirteenth month, taken from a cup. |
| 9 A.M. | Orange juice, one to two ounces. |
| 10 A.M. | Milk, two parts; oatmeal or barley gruel, one part; from ten to twelve ounces in all may be allowed; it should be given from a cup. |
| 2 P.M. | Beef juice, one to two ounces; or, the white of one egg, slightly cooked; later, the entire egg; or, mutton or chicken broth, four to six ounces. Milk and gruel in proportions above given, four to six ounces. |
| 6 P.M. | Same as at 10 A.M. |
| 10 P.M. | Same as at 6.30 A.M., except that the milk may be given from the bottle. |
How long may this schedule be followed?
Usually until the fourteenth or fifteenth month. After this time the cereals may be given much thicker and fed from a spoon.
May any other fruit juices be given at this period?
Orange juice is the best; next to this the juice of fresh ripe peaches, red raspberries or strawberries. All these should be strained very carefully through muslin to make sure that the child gets none of the pulp or seeds, either of which may cause serious disturbance. Of the orange or peach juice, from one to four tablespoonfuls may be allowed at one time; of the others about half the quantity. The fruit juice is best given one hour before the second feeding.
When should a child be weaned from its bottle?