FEEDING OF INFANTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7243, 31 July 1907, Page 4

FEEDING OF INFANTS.

The following practical rules for the feeding of infants have been issued by the district council of Penarth, in Wales, which body realises that some decided steps must bo taken to lessen the mortality among children, which, in nine cases out of ten, arises from improper^ feeding. This, in the first place, consists of giving food which is totally unsuitable to the age of the child; and, secondly, to milk which is not absolutely fresh, or to fruit either under or over ripe. Under the age of seven months the baby should not have any puddings, bread, potatoes, oatmeal, or any of the advertised infants' foods, unless specially ordered by a doctor. It should always "be remembered that a naturally feed child has better chances of good health afterwards than another differently treated; but if the former is not possible, diet of milk and water, or milk and barley water, should be strictly adhered to. The milk should- be obtained twice a day,' and boiled, and the water that is mixed with it should also have been boiled. It should be given in a boatshaped bottle, with a ruber mouthpiece, but no long- tube, for such are difficult or impossible to clean, and are a-continual source of danger. Immediately the bottles are used, they should bo rinsed with; warm soda, water, and kept immersed until required for use again. If the child does not finish the ,bottleful, on no 'account must it bo kept for next time. It is a mistake to give a baby food every time it cries, as its discomfort is often due to indigestion. These are rules which are not out of place in even the most up-to-<7ite nursery, and should be invaluable to the inexperienced' mother.