The degree of dilution must vary according to the age of the infant. For the two first months, to the milk should he added an equal quantity of water; from the second to the sixth month, one-third; afterwards, the child may have it pure. All milk should be sterilized before using.
The temperature of the milk should be as near as pos- sible to the temperature of milk just drawn; namely, from 90° to 95° Fahrenheit. To prevent burning in heat- ing it, the bottle containing the milk prepared for use should be put in a pan containing warm water, and there left until it has acquired the proper temperature. To be sure that you get it to the right temperature every time, a thermometer should be used.
The milk that remains in the bottle after feeding should never he used again.
The bottle should be kept scrupulously clean, and, once a day, it should be washed with scalding water.
The nipples, as soon as used, should be cleaned, and allowed to remain in water until they are wanted again.
The quantity of cow's milk that a child should take each time will depend upon its age and upon its natural requirements; for while one child is easily satisfied, and thrives on two ounces of milk every two hours, another will require more. As a general rule, to an infant of one or two months, two or three ounces are sufficient; from the second to the fourth month, from four to five ounces; afterwards, from six to eight. This seems a very rapid increase of food; but as, in the latter months, the child is not fed so often, the quantity it takes in twenty-four hours is not so great as it may appear at first thought.
The quality of the cow's milk is of great importance. The milk of a healthy cow is slightly alkaline; this alkalinity may be changed into an acidity by improper food.
