Page:Food and cookery for the sick and convalescent.djvu/54

30

CHILD fed from the breast is weaned, usually, from the eighth to the twelfth month, the time depending upon the health of both mother and child, as well as the season of the year. Unless compulsory, this change would better not take place during the summer months. Changes in diet should always be gradual ones, which is not the exception with the baby. Healthy children may be taught to drink from a cup or mug before taken from the breast, which will dispense with the use of the bottle. On the other hand, oftentimes ill or delicate children will not take sufficient nourishment in this way, and the bottle becomes a necessity for the welfare of the child. Baby not only eats better, but sleeps better, and keeps happier.

Some children are allowed to use the bottle at nap and bed time until two years of age. While this seems to many an over–indulgence to the child, it is sometimes recommended by physicians as the best course to pursue.

A healthy child of from eight to twelve months may be given a crust of stale bread, educators, rusks. Zwieback, and strained, well-cooked cereal diluted with milk. The necessity for an occasional drink of water, which was emphasized in infant feeding, must not be overlooked in child feeding.

From twelve to sixteen months a child requires four meals daily.

Meals. Times for Serving.

Breakfast 7-30

Lunch 11.30

Dinner 2.30

Supper 5.30