When administering initial breast milk, one must first squeeze out and remove residual old milk before allowing the infant to suckle. If the mother feels drowsy, breastfeeding should be stopped immediately, lest she fall asleep unaware of whether the infant is satiated. If the infant’s crying has not subsided or breathing has not regulated, the nurse should not hastily feed them; otherwise, the milk may fail to descend smoothly, stagnate in the chest and diaphragm, and result in vomiting. After feeding with milk, do not immediately provide solid food. Because a child’s spleen and stomach are delicate, mixing milk and food makes digestion difficult. In early childhood, this leads to vomiting and abdominal pain due to accumulation; in later stages, it results in masses (pi), accumulations (ji), or malnutrition syndromes (gan). All these conditions originate from such practices.

An infant’s skin and flesh are not yet firm. Wearing thick clothing that causes overheating damages the skin and blood vessels, leading to sores and ulcers. When sweating occurs, the couli (pores) become insecure, making it easy for wind pathogens to invade. During warm weather, carrying the child outdoors to expose them to wind and sunlight strengthens their qi and blood, firms their muscles, and enables them to withstand cold and wind, preventing disease. Currently, some people carry infants while exposing them to damp ground qi, causing weak bones and sinews and making them prone to illness; this is not a proper method of care.

For children aged three to ten, observing their temperament and spirit can predict their longevity. Children who show exceptional wisdom and sensitivity in early years, possess proper skeletal structure and dignified demeanor, move with slow and graceful turns, and require considerable effort to cultivate are likely to live long. Those who anticipate others’ intentions and react quickly are also likely to live long. Continuous and connected crying sounds indicate longevity, whereas abrupt cessation followed by urgent resumption indicates short life. Scattered crying, deep crying without nasal discharge, well-healed cranial sutures, constant movement of hands and feet, and sparse hair all suggest failure to reach adulthood. An umbilicus without blood marks is auspicious. A small umbilicus or a body soft as clay indicates misfortune and short life. Bright white and large testicles with open scrotal seams indicate longevity. Misaligned gaze and frequent blinking are unfavorable. Early teething and early speech indicate bad character. Sparse hair suggests stubbornness. A whorl on the forehead may hinder parental success or lead to death despite speaking. Incomplete sacral bone development leads to death when attempting to squat. Incomplete palmar bone development leads to death when attempting to crawl. Incomplete calcaneal bone development leads to death when attempting to stand. Inability to maintain body posture indicates death. Lack of flesh between the thighs indicates death. Broken chin indicates death. Non-erect genitals indicate death. Death is indicated by redness!