amount of milk which the healthy nursing infant gets; (3) the
quantities with which most children do best. The table of quantities
and intervals of feeding, on page 108, gives the average figures
derived from these sources. It is seldom wise to go beyond the limits
there stated; nor should one insist upon giving any fixed amount if it
is clearly more than the child wants or can be made to take except by
continued coaxing.


LOSS OF APPETITE

_What is to be done when without any other signs of illness a child's
appetite gradually fails?_

This is often the result of a long period of overfeeding or the use of
milk too rich in fat. If in all other respects the child seems well
and simply does not want his food, it should be offered at regular
hours, but not more frequently; on no account should he be coaxed,
much less forced, to eat, even though he takes only one half or one
third the usual quantity. The intervals between feedings should not be
shortened but rather lengthened. Often, with a child a year old, it is
necessary to reduce the number of feedings to four or even three in
twenty-four hours. Water, however, may be offered at more frequent
intervals. The food should be weakened rather than strengthened. No
greater mistake can be made than, because so little is taken, coaxing
or forcing food at short intervals through fear lest the child may
lose weight.


THE CHANGES IN THE FOOD REQUIRED BY SPECIAL SYMPTOMS OR CONDITIONS