From the Tenth to the Twelfth Month
6 Tablespoons of cow’s milk.
3 Tablespoons of water.
1½ Tablespoons of cream.
1 or 2 Tablespoons of Mellin’s food.
1 Teaspoon of milk-sugar.69
Mellin’s Food with Condensed Milk. Although, as has been previously stated, condensed milk is not a proper food for children, there are times when it may be necessary to use it: for instance, in traveling, or when the daily supply of milk for any reason fails.
The usual mixture of condensed milk given to babies is one part of milk to twelve parts of water, the analysis70 of which shows the fat and casein to be in too small proportions. If more condensed milk be added, the sugar will be increased too much; but by increasing the water, and using Mellin’s food and cream, a very good mixture may be obtained. The following is recommended:
1 Teaspoon condensed milk.
1 Tablespoon of Mellin’s food.
8 Tablespoons of water (1 cup).
1 Teaspoon of cream.
Boil the water, then add the condensed milk, Mellin’s food, and cream in the order in which they are mentioned, stirring until all is dissolved.
Nothing should be used during the first twelve months except liquid food, and that must not be of too great density.
Avoid any food which contains cellulose, or starch as such.71 Cellulose is but imperfectly if at all digested by grown persons; and starch, not being a natural kind of nourishment for an infant, is extremely liable to ferment and cause serious digestive disturbances.
It should be remembered that, although the chief function of a babe is to eat, sleep, and grow, its stomach cannot work all the time, and, consequently, the wise plan is to feed it only at regular intervals.
The best proof that a child is doing well is increase of weight, a healthy appearance, and lack of fretfulness. Sometimes, when restless, it is only a drink of water that it needs, as children suffer much from thirst in warm weather.