s can hardly be considered a normal instinct. As a
matter of fact, supported by everyday experience, no causes are
productive of more disorders of digestion than the free indulgence in
desserts and sweets by young children. It is a constantly increasing
tendency, not easily controlled as a child grows older; and in early
childhood, the only safe rule is to give none at all.

FRUITS

_Are fruits an essential or important part of the diet?_

They are a very important part and should be begun in infancy. They
are particularly useful for the effect they have upon the bowels. It
is important that they should be selected with care and given with
much discretion, especially in cities. In the country where fruit is
absolutely fresh, a somewhat greater latitude may be allowed than is
given below.

_What fruits may safely be given to children up to five years old?_

As a general rule, only cooked fruits and the juices of fresh fruits.

_What fruit juices may be used?_

That from sweet oranges is the best, but the fresh juice of grape
fruit, peaches, strawberries and raspberries may also be used.

_What stewed fruits may be given?_

Stewed or baked apples, prunes, pears, peaches and apricots.

_What raw fruits are to be particularly avoided with young children?_

The pulp of oranges or grape fruit, also cherries, berries, bananas
and pineapple.

_What precautions should be emphasized regarding the use of fruits?_

That they should be used with greater care in hot weather and with
children who are prone to attacks of intestinal indigestion.

_What symptoms indicate that fruits should be avoided?_

A tendency to looseness of the bowels with the discharge of mucus, or
frequent attacks of abdominal pain or stomach ache.

_Is there any special choice of meals at which fruit should be given?_

The fruit juice given early in the morning, upon an empty stomach,
works more actively upon the bowels than if it is given later in the
day.

It is not, as a rule, wise to give cream or milk with sour fruits.
Usually the fruit is best given at the mid-day meal, as a dessert, at
a time when no milk is taken. It is in all cases important that the
quantity of fruit should be moderate.

_What besides water and milk should a child be allowed to drink and
what should be forbidden?_

Tea, coffee, wine, beer and cider in all quantities and in all forms
should be forbidden to young children below puberty. Cocoa which is
made very