Why is this of so much advantage?  Because it possesses a higher nutritive value than any other food, for the amount of work required of the digestive organs, and it is very especially adapted to a child’s diet.  It must be clean and fresh and not too rich.

What essential point should I consider in its use?  The Jersey cow gives too rich milk, and it must be greatly diluted.  Children who digest milk with difficulty should take it diluted about four parts milk, one part water, a little salt or bicarbonate of soda should be added.  Do not give milk at meals when fruits, especially if they are sour, are allowed.

How much milk can I allow to advantage?  For an average child with good digestion, you can allow one and one-half pints to one quart daily, including what is also used upon cereals and in other ways.  Two quarts are too much, for a mixed diet will do better.

How much cream can I allow?  Older children do not need so much fat as do infants, and cream, especially when very rich, often produces indigestion.  It is a common cause of the coated tongue, foul breath, and pale greasy stools, or biliousness so-called.  Will not cream overcome constipation?  It does so in some degree in infants, but not so much so in older children; and if it produces the above given symptoms it should not be given.

EGGS.

What is the value of eggs in the diet of this period?  They form a very valuable food.  They must be fresh and only slightly cooked, being either soft-boiled, poached or coddled.  Fried eggs and omelets are prohibited.

Is the white or yolk more digestible?  Generally the white in most children.  This is a very digestible proteid and can be used to great advantage even in the latter part of the first year.

Do eggs often cause biliousness?  Very seldom if they are carefully prepared and fed.

How often may I give eggs to the child?  Most children at this period will be able to take one egg for breakfast and one for supper, with relish and advantage; however, some few children cannot eat them at all.

MEAT AND FISH.

What kinds of meat can I give to my child?  Beefsteak, mutton-chop, roast beef, lamb, boiled chicken and fish, such as shad or bass.

What points should I consider in feeding meat?  Most meats should be rare, scraped or finely divided, as a child will not chew it properly.  Boiled or roast beef is best; fried meats should not be given to a child.

How often can I give meats?  Only at the midday meal, at this period.

Do you think it causes nervousness in children?  Not unless too much is given and too often.

[600 Mothers’ remedies]

What meats should be forbidden?  Ham, bacon, sausage, pork, liver, kidney, and all dried and salt meats; also mackerel, cod and shell fish.  A child should not eat any of these until after the tenth year.