infants who
have difficulty in digesting the proteins (curd) of milk. At six
months half the white of one egg may be given at one time, and soon
after this the entire white of one egg. The best in manner of cooking
is the "coddled", egg (see page 151).

_When should orange juice be begun?_

Usually about the eleventh or twelfth month; it should be given about
one hour before the feeding; two teaspoonfuls at first, then one
tablespoonful at a time, and later three or four tablespoonfuls. It is
particularly useful when there is constipation. It should always be
strained, and care should be taken that it is sweet and fresh.

OVERFEEDING

_What is meant by overfeeding?_

Giving an infant too much food; either too much at one time or too
frequently. Overfeeding is sometimes practised during the day, but is
chiefly done at night.

_Is not an infant's natural desire for food a proper guide as to the
quantity given?_

The appetite of a perfectly normal infant usually is; but overeating
is a habit gradually acquired and may continue until twice as much
food as is proper is taken in the twenty-four hours. This habit is
most frequently seen in infants whose digestion is not quite normal;
because of the temporary relief from discomfort experienced by taking
food into the stomach, they often appear to be hungry the greater part
of the time, especially at night.

_What are the causes of overfeeding?_

The most common one is the habit of watching the weight too closely,
and the conviction on the part of the mother or nurse that because a
child is not so large nor gaining so rapidly as some other infant of
the same age, more food or stronger food should be given.

_What harm results from overfeeding?_

All food taken in excess of what a child can digest becomes a burden
to him. The food lies in the stomach or bowels undigested, ferments,
and causes wind and colic. When overfeeding is longer continued,
serious disturbances of digestion are soon produced. The infant is
restless, fretful, constantly uncomfortable, sleeps badly, and stops
gaining and may even lose in weight. Such symptoms may lead to the
mistaken conclusion that too little food is given, and it is
accordingly increased, when it should be diminished. One of the
results of long-continued overfeeding is dilatation or stretching of
the stomach.

_What should guide one as to the quantity of food to be given to any
infant??_

(1) The size of the infant's st