One of the most important things to teach the child, when it is taking foods other than milk, is thorough mastication, not only to assist the proper growth of the teeth, but to prevent the digestive disturbances that invariably occur from the bolting of food, and children are especially liable to do this.
Dry toast and zwieback compel mastication and strengthen the gums. These should be given in the hand, a piece at mealtime and occasionally between meals, if the child seems hungry. The child will then gradually get into the habit of chewing other solid foods when they are given.
If the child is hungry between meals, he should be fed at a regular period, midway between breakfast and luncheon and between luncheon and the evening meal. The food should be dry (toast or a dry cracker) to induce thorough and slow mastication.
Many object to “piecing” between meals, but if this piecing be done at hours as regular as his meal hour, and the food be dry and well masticated, it will readily digest and will not interfere with his meals. The growing child needs more frequent meals than the adult. His stomach is not so large, he is active in outdoor exercise, and eliminates waste freely. He also requires much heat and energy. The active child at outdoor play uses almost as much energy as the laboring man.
Many mothers are in doubt as to whether the baby’s food should be salted. It is necessary to add a very little salt to the food for the baby; broths should be seasoned slightly and a pinch of salt added to potatoes and eggs. Cereals and vegetables are cooked in water to which a little salt has been added.
Experienced observers of children and their ailments and diseases have said that more babies are killed by overfeeding than by underfeeding. Especially in summer, when the child’s condition reflects that of the mother, too much food will cause indigestion, irritation of the stomach, and diarrhea.
Often the child is fretful because it is too warm or is thirsty. It will often be benefited by giving it less food and more water. This fretful mind affects the child’s digestion just as it affects the digestion of the mother.
If a healthy child refuses good, wholesome food because it wishes some other than what is offered it, it is not hungry and doesn’t need the food.
The growing child craves sweets, but a child should not be given candy whenever it wants it during the day. Candy or sugar is quickly converted into heat and is best eaten immediately following a meal. Sugar may be spread on bread for the four o’clock lunch or a little candy may be eaten at this time. Two or three pieces of candy an inch square are sufficient.