Читать книгу The Care and Feeding of Children - L. Emmett Holt - Страница 14

Of what importance is the weight of the child?

Nothing else tells so accurately how well it is thriving.

During the first year a record of the weight is almost indispensable; throughout childhood it is of much interest and is the best guide to the physical condition. It will well repay any mother or nurse to keep such a record.

How frequently should a child be weighed?

Every week during the first six months, and at least once in two weeks during the last six months of the first year. During the second year a child should be weighed at least once a month.

How rapidly should an infant gain in weight during the first year?

There is usually a loss during the first week of from four to eight ounces; after this a healthy child should gain from four to eight ounces a week up to about the sixth month. From six to twelve months the gain is less, usually from two to four ounces a week.

Is it to be expected that bottle-fed infants will gain as rapidly as those who are nursed?

They seldom do so during the first month; after that time under favourable circumstances the gain is usually quite as regular, and during the latter half of the first year it is likely to be more continuous than in a nursing infant, because the latter usually loses weight at the time of weaning.

Why do they not gain so rapidly at first?

It takes a few weeks for the stomach to become accustomed to cow's milk, and until this is accomplished it is necessary to make the milk very weak or the child's digestion will be upset.

For a child of average weight at birth (seven to seven and a half pounds) what should be the weight at the different periods during the first year?

At three months it should be twelve to thirteen pounds; at six months, fifteen to sixteen pounds; at nine months, seventeen to eighteen pounds; at one year, twenty to twenty-two pounds. At five months a healthy child will usually double its weight, and at twelve months it will nearly treble its weight.

Do all healthy infants gain steadily in weight during the first year?

As a rule they do; yet it is seldom the case that one gains every week for the entire year. With most infants there are from time to time periods of a few weeks in which no gain is made. These are more often seen from the seventh to the tenth month and frequently occur when the child is cutting teeth, sometimes during very hot weather.

Is it true that every infant who gains rapidly in weight is thriving normally?

Not invariably. Some who are fed upon prepared infant foods increase rapidly in weight but not in strength, nor in their development in other respects.

Is the weight of as much value in the second year as a guide to the child's condition?

After the first year, the gain in weight is seldom continuous; there are many interruptions, some depend on season, and others often occur without apparent cause.

At what age should the fontanel close?

The average is about eighteen months. It seldom closes earlier than fourteen months, and it should not be open at two years.

At what age should a child hold up its head?

As a rule during the fourth month, and often during the third month, the head can be held erect when the body is supported.

When does an infant first laugh aloud?

Usually from the third to the fifth month.

When does it begin to reach for toys and handle them?

Usually from the fifth to the seventh month.

At what age should a child be able to sit and to stand alone?

At seven or eight months a healthy child is usually able to sit erect and support the body. During the ninth and tenth months are usually seen the first attempts to bear the weight upon the feet, and at eleven or twelve months most children can stand with assistance.

When should a child walk alone?

The first attempts are generally seen in the twelfth or thirteenth month. At fifteen or sixteen months the average child is able to run alone.

What conditions postpone these events?

Prematurity, a very delicate constitution, any severe or prolonged illness, and especially chronic disturbances of digestion making feeding difficult. A common cause of late sitting, standing, or walking is rickets.

Should a child be urged to walk?

Never; he is usually quite willing to do so as soon as his muscles and bones are strong enough. None of the contrivances for teaching children to walk are to be advised.

When do children begin to talk?

Generally at one year a child can say "papa" and "mamma" or other single words. At the end of the second year the average child is able to put words together in short sentences.

If at two years the child makes no attempt to speak, what should be suspected?

Either that the child is a deaf-mute or that it is mentally deficient, although this is occasionally seen in children who are only very backward.

Table showing the Average Weight, Height, and Circumference of Head and Chest of Boys ^[1]

At birth	Weight	7½ pounds.
	Height	20½ inches.
	Chest	13½ inches.
	Head	14 inches.
One year	Weight	21 pounds.
	Height	29 inches.
	Chest	18 inches.
	Head	18 inches.
Two years	Weight	26½ pounds.
	Height	32½ inches.
	Chest	19 inches.
	Head	19 inches.
Three years	Weight	31 pounds.
	Height	35 inches.
	Chest	20 inches.
	Head	19½ inches.
Four years	Weight	35 pounds.
	Height	38 inches.
	Chest	20¾ inches.
	Head	19¾ inches.
Five years	Weight	41 pounds.
	Height	41½ inches.
	Chest	21½ inches.
	Head	20½ inches.
Six years	Weight	45 pounds.
	Height	44 inches.
	Chest	23 inches.
Seven years	Weight	49½ pounds.
	Height	46 inches.
	Chest	23½ inches.
Eight years	Weight	54½ pounds.
	Height	48 inches.
	Chest	24½ inches.
Nine years	Weight	60 pounds.
	Height	50 inches.
	Chest	25 inches.
Ten years	Weight	66½ pounds.
	Height	52 inches.
	Chest	26 inches.

The above weights are with ordinary house clothes.