(There is a slight difference in the directions given by different authorities as to cleaning bottles and nipples, but the general way is the same.)

What kind of cotton shall I use for corking the bottles?  Refined non-absorbent cotton is best, but the ordinary absorbent cotton will do.

Which is the best—­an alcohol lamp, or the Bunsen burner?  The Bunsen burner is the best, cheaper and simpler if there is gas in the house.  Should you use the lamp, put it upon a table covered with a plate of zinc or tin, or upon a large tin tray.  The French pattern is the best.

Give special directions now for preparing the food according to any of the given formulas?  The hands must be clean, as well as everything else—­food and utensils.  First dissolve the milk sugar in boiling water, filtering, if necessary, then add to the boiled water and sugar the milk, cream, and lime-water, mixing all in the pitcher; a sufficient quantity for twenty-four hours is always prepared at one time.  Divide this in equal quantities into the number of feedings for the twenty-four hours and cork the bottles with the cotton cork and cool the bottles rapidly, after having been pasteurized by standing first in tepid and then in cold water, and then place in an ice chest at 50 degrees F.

[592 Mothers’ remedies]

FEEDING DIRECTIONS.

How shall I prepare the bottle at feeding time?  Take one from the ice chest, warm it by placing it in warm water deep enough to cover the milk in the bottle.  Then thoroughly shake it, remove the cotton cork, and adjust the nipple.

How shall I know that the temperature of the milk is correct?  Pour a teaspoonful from the bottle before adjusting the nipple, and taste it, or pour a few drops through the nipple upon the inner surface of the wrist.  It should feel quite warm, but not quite hot; or a baby thermometer may be placed in the water where the milk stands, and the temperature should be between 98 and 100 degrees F.

How can I keep the milk warm while the baby is feeding?  Slip over the bottle a warm flannel bag with a draw-string.

What position should a child be in when feeding?  During the first few months, except at night, it had better be held in the arms; later it can lie on its side in the crib, but the bottle must then be held by the nurse until it is emptied, or the baby will nurse and sleep, and nurse and sleep, etc.

How much time shall I give the baby for one feeding?  Not longer than twenty minutes.  Take the bottle away then and do not give it until the next feeding.  Keep a sleepy baby awake, when well, until the food is taken, or remove the bottle.

Can I play with the baby after feeding?  Never.  It may cause vomiting and indigestion.  Baby should lie quietly and sleep if possible, or at least not be disturbed.

FEEDING INTERVALS.