Overfed babies are irritable and cry often. The mothers interpret this
as a sign of hunger. Most babies do not know what hunger is. Like adults
they become thirsty, but instead of getting water to quench their thirst
they are given milk. This satisfies for a little while, then the
irritability due to milk spoiled, in the alimentary tract causes more
restlessness and crying, and they are fed again. The comedy of errors
continues until it is turned into a tragedy.
How much should the baby be fed at a time? When the parents are healthy
and the baby is born right and then fed but three times a day, the food
intake will regulate itself. The child will not usually want more than
it should have of milk, supplemented with water. The best way to begin
is to let the infant take what it desires. That is, let the nursing
continue while the infant manifests great pleasure and zest. When the
child begins to fool with the breast or bottle, the source of
nourishment should be removed immediately. The child will increase its
intake gradually.
Some of the babies will take too much. The evil results will soon be
evident, and then the mother must not compromise, but reduce the intake
at once.
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