How much milk may advantageously be given?

The average child with good digestion should take from one and one half pints to one quart of milk daily, this including not only what the child drinks but what is served upon cereals and in other ways.  It is seldom wise to allow a child to take as much as two quarts daily, as a more mixed diet for most children is better.

To what extent may cream be used?

Older children do not require so large a proportion of fat in their food as do infants, and the use of cream, especially very rich cream, often results in disturbances of digestion.  The use of too much or too rich cream is a common cause of the coated tongue, foul breath and pale gray stools, often called “biliousness.”

Is not cream useful in overcoming the constipation of children?

With infants it is valuable to a certain point, but with older children only to a limited degree, and if such symptoms as those above described are present, cream should not be given.

EGGS

To what extent may eggs be used in the diet of this period?

They form a most valuable food.  It is essential that they should be fresh and only slightly cooked, soft boiled, poached or coddled; fried eggs should never be given and all omelets are objectionable.

Which is more digestible, the white or yolk of the egg?

For the great majority of children, the white of the egg.  This forms one of the most digestible proteids we possess, and can be used, even in the latter part of the first year, with advantage.

Is it not true that eggs often cause “biliousness"?

Very seldom, if fed as above advised.  This is an old prejudice but has little basis in fact.

How often may eggs be given?

Most children from four to ten years old will take one egg for breakfast and another for supper for an indefinite period with relish and benefit.  There are, however, some few who have a peculiar idiosyncrasy as regards eggs and cannot take them at all.

MEAT AND FISH

What meats may be given to young children?

The best are beefsteak, mutton-chop, roast beef, roast lamb, broiled chicken and certain delicate fish, such as shad or bass.

What are the important points to be considered in giving meat to children?

Most meats should be rare and either scraped or very finely divided, as no child can be trusted to chew meat properly.  Meats are best broiled or roasted, but should not be fried.

How often should meat be given?

At this period, only once a day, at the mid-day meal.

Is not the excessive nervousness of many modern children due to the giving of meat, or at least aggravated by its use?