How can I know whether to increase the strength or the quantity of the food?  In the early weeks it is well first to increase the strength, the next time the quantity of the food, then the strength, then the quantity, etc.  The quantity chiefly should be increased after the fourth or fifth month.

Should a slight stomach discomfort or disturbance follow after the food has been strengthened, what shall I do?  If the disturbance is marked and continues and the infant does not seem able to accustom itself to the new food, you should go back to the weaker one and the next increase should be smaller.

Should I be worried if the gain in weight for the first few weeks of artificial feeding is slight, or even no gain?  Not as a rule; if the infant loses no weight, sleeps well, is comfortable, does not suffer from vomiting, nausea, colic, you can feel sure the baby is doing well and is becoming used to his new food.  As his appetite improves and his digestion is stronger the food may be increased every few days.  Then the weight will soon increase.

Is constipation likely to occur from such a weak food?  This is very often seen owing to the fact of their being little residue in the bowels, so if he has a daily stool, even if it is small and dry, it need not cause worry as it soon passes away with the using of stronger food.

What circumstances indicate that the food should be reduced?  When the child becomes ill from any causes, or when there are any marked symptoms of indigestion.

How can I reduce the food?  If there is but a slight disturbance and the daily food has been prepared, pour off one-third from each bottle just before each feeding and replace this quantity of food with boiled water; if the disturbance is more severe, immediately dilute the food at least one-half and also reduce, at the same time the quantity given; for a severe attack of indigestion, omit the regular food altogether and give only boiled water until a doctor has been called.

How shall I return to the original formula after it has been reduced for a disturbance of digestion?  The increase must be very gradual after the immediate reduction.  After a severe attack of indigestion, the milk should not be made more than one-fifth the original strength, and ten days or two weeks should elapse before the original strength food is given and, as stated, there should be a gradual slow increase.

[586 Mothers’ remedies]

ABOUT ADDING OTHER FOODS TO MILK.

How long shall I continue the modified milk?  Usually for about six months; but if the infant is doing well you can continue it for ten or eleven months.  If the infant has trouble in digesting cows’ milk other foods can be added at three or four months or even at the beginning.

What food can I first use?  Barley, oatmeal, arrowroot, and farina.

Is it better to make them from the flour?  Yes, they are more simple to prepare from the flour.