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The *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* (Emergency Prescriptions Kept in the Sleeve) states: Three days after birth, an infant should begin to assist the "Gushen" (Gu Spirit, referring to the digestive function of the Spleen and Stomach). Rice should be boiled into a thick liquid resembling yogurt or cream. Give the infant an amount roughly the size of a soybean, allowing them to swallow it multiple times. Frequently give an amount equivalent to three beans. After twenty-one days (three sevens), solid food can be introduced.

The *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: If infants are fed complementary foods too early, their bodies cannot tolerate the Qi of grains. This causes sores to appear on the head, face, and body; even if healed, they recur. The child becomes weak and difficult to raise. After thirty days, although feeding may begin, it must not be excessive. If the infant refuses to eat, forcing food leads to indigestion and subsequent illness. If breastfeeding is ineffective and there is phlegm-fluid accumulation forming masses in the abdomen, Siwu Ziwan (Four-Ingredient Purple Pill) should be used to mildly purge the bowels. By moderating feeding for several days, the condition will heal spontaneously.

The *Xiao'er Yaozheng Zhijue* (Key to Pediatric Treatments) states: At fifty days old, food the size of a jujube pit can be given. At one hundred days old, food the size of a marble can be given, twice daily (morning and evening). Do not bathe the child under the eaves, nor undress them while exposed to wind. Do not breastfeed while the child is still crying, nor feed them when they are cold. Furthermore, avoid exposure to statues of deities, donkeys, horses, relatives from different households, and various objects, as these may harm the child's temperament and cause Jingxian (Fright and Epilepsy).

The Classics state: Children under three years of age should not consume chicken meat, as this causes worms to grow in the abdomen.

Qian Yi states: Many children suffer because parents are overly protective, leading to a lack of solid food intake until age two or three. This results in Spleen and Stomach deficiency and frequent illness throughout life. After six months of age, thin porridge made from aged rice and noodle-like porridges should be decocted and offered frequently. After ten months, thicker porridge and soft foods should be gradually introduced to support Middle Qi (Spleen/Stomach Qi). With this approach, the child will naturally be easier to raise and fall ill less often. Only raw, cold, greasy, and sweet foods should be avoided.

The *Waitai Miyao* (Secret Essentials of the Outer Cabinet), citing Cui Shi’s method for initial feeding, suggests choosing auspicious days such as Ping, Ding, and Cheng days, as well as Chou, Yin, Chen, Si, and You days. For boys, Wu and Si days are taboo; for girls, Bing and Ding days are taboo.

When a child reaches four or five years of age, breastfeeding should be weaned. If the child resists weaning, Huamei Gao (Eyebrow-Painting Paste) should be used to facilitate the process. Once weaned, meat can be gradually introduced, preventing complications such as Ganpi (Infantile Malnutrition and Masses).

**Huamei Gao (Eyebrow-Painting Paste)**
Ingredients:
Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus, *Gardenia jasminoides*), quantity unspecified, calcined to retain its character; Xionghuang (Realgar, *Realgar*); Zhusha (Cinnabar, *Cinnabaris*).
Process:
Grind all ingredients into an extremely fine powder. Mix with a small amount of Sesame Oil (*Semen Sesami Nigrum*) and Qingfen (Lead Subcarbonate, *Plumbum Subcarbonas*).
Application:
Apply a thick layer to both eyebrows while the child is asleep. Upon waking, the child will refuse breast milk. If ineffective, reapply and add one qian (approx. 3-5g) of Huangdan (Red Lead, *Plumbum Oxidum Rubrum*).