Why does an infant so often vomit some of its food soon after feeding? The quantity may be too large or too rich food, the baby may feed too fast, the hole in the nipple may be too large, the clothing too tight, or you may press upon its stomach in moving the baby.
What are the causes of and changes needed for stomach troubles? It is usually a symptom of indigestion and is frequently caused by too much fat or sugar.
How can I remedy this? Reduce the fat or sugar, and increase the lime-water. Avoid the formulas made from the top-milk, or cream and milk. Those made from the seven per cent milk are not so likely to cause trouble; but you had better, if the symptoms are severe, use formulas of the fourth series.
What symptoms indicate that the baby is getting too much fat (cream)?
Vomiting and yellow, foul, greasy, or ropy stools.
How much shall I reduce the milk sugar? Use only one-half ounce to twenty ounces of food or leave it out altogether.
How shall I know when to reduce the sugar, etc.? When there is excessive formation of gas in the stomach, causing distention and pain, or belchings of gas, and often a sour stomach. Reduce the amount of sugar and increase the lime-water one and one-half to two ounces in twenty ounces of food, increase intervals between the meats one-half hour and give less quantity.
[ALL ABOUT BABY 589]
What food usually causes habitual colic? This is due to gas accumulating in the bowels, and is usually caused by the want of digestion of the proteids (curd).
How shall I overcome this? Use a weaker formula. Use formula 4 or 3 of first series; or use partially pasteurized milk, or use barley water instead of plain water.
If curds regularly or frequently appear in the stools, what changes shall I make? This usually accompanies colic, so use means just described—reduce the proteids (skim milk).