Malted gruels are made by adding 1 teaspoonful of good malt extract or diastase to a cereal gruel after it has been cooled. It should be stirred in very thoroughly.
Vomiting
In artificial feeding “spitting” is usually an annoying symptom that does not indicate anything more serious than an overloaded stomach. This condition is usually relieved by lengthening the feeding intervals to four hours.
On the other hand, vomiting usually indicates something more serious in a bottle-fed baby, especially if it is very persistent. It is usually a sign that cow’s milk, or the preparation of it, is not agreeing with the infant. It also indicates a digestive disturbance that should be treated only by the physician, who will probably change the formula.
Occasional vomiting is sometimes due to too rich food and too frequent feeding. Lengthening the feeding hours and decreasing the amount of fat in the mixture will usually eliminate the trouble.
Colic
This is the most common of all of baby’s troubles. It is often due to too rapid feeding either from the breast or bottle, and when there is a tendency to colic, the feeding should be slower. The baby should not be fed while it is suffering from colic, even though it seems that the drinking of warm milk relieves it temporarily. Hot water should be given every half-hour or hour until relieved. If the baby seems cold, hot water slightly sweetened, and a hot bath, should be given at once. A hot-water bottle may be placed near it as well.
In colic there is severe pain in the abdomen, which is swollen and hard. Sudden and violent crying is usually a symptom of colic, which often ceases very suddenly after the emission of gas from the mouth or bowels.