Two Months Old
TWO MONTH OLD
DATE: WEIGHT: LENGTH:
Growth and Development:
Vision is improving day by day and your baby will inspect objects held within three feet and will follow moving objects. He can recognize his mother’s voice and enjoys being spoken or sung to. Head control will continue to improve and soon he will be able to turn and lift his head for a better view of the world. He now often smiles when he sees a human face and she may start making vocal sounds other than crying.
Sucking is often a strong need in many babies. It quiets infants, relieves tension, and is used to “explore” objects. A pacifier will cause no harm if he accepts it.
Your baby and you can enjoy playing together. In play, a child learns bit by bit what the world is – what is wet, what is dry, what hurts, what he can lift, what makes things stop and go, etc. Babies experiment by feeling, smelling, tasting, dropping, kicking, watching, and listening. Playing with sounds is the basis for learning to talk. Playing with people is the basis for learning to get along with them. Playing with things helps the baby to master his body and his environment.
Feeding:
Breast or formula feeding on demand and a fluoride supplement are all that’s required for a baby to receive all of the protein, vitamins, and other nutrients that she needs for optimum growth. Nursing mothers should feel comfortable using an occaisional bottle of formula (especially if given by dad or another caregiver) for a much-deserved rest. For healthy babies, there’s no need to concern yourself with exact amounts or times of feedings as infants will naturally eat the amount that is right for them. Forcing food when the baby is not really hungry may lead to poor eating habits or obesity later. You will learn to recognize and respond to her signals, and come to trust your own instincts and common sense.
Sleep:
The amount of sleep needed at this age can vary quite a bit from one infant to another. Many take two or three naps a day and sleep through the night while other normal babies may nap less and still wake once or twice a night for a feeding. Adding cereal to the formula does not seem to help babies sleep better.
Safety:
-Avoid using talcum powder as some babies have developed respiratory problems from inhaling it.
-Always use an approved infant restraint system when traveling by car. It should still be facing backwards.
-Keep small objects that could cause choking out of his reach.
-Do not tie a pacifier to clothing or around the neck; this has been known to cause strangulation.
-Do not leave him alone on a bed or changing table where he could fall off.
-Keep the temperature of your water heater no higher than 120 to 130 degrees and check yourself that baby’s bath water is not too hot.
Immunizations:
Today your baby will start the immunization series to protect her from diphtheria, pertussis (“whooping cough”), tetanus, and polio. Minor reactions, like fever, fussiness, or pain at the injection site are common and harmless and will usually be relieved by giving 40mg of acetaminophen (1/2 dropperful of Tylenol). Please read the “Red Book” section on immunizations or other printed material available from your doctor for more detailed information on “shots”. You will be given an “Immunization Record” which you should bring to all future Well Baby or Physical appointments.
Recommended Reading:
The Well Baby Book – Samuels
Baby and Child Care – Spock
Taking Care of Your Child – Pantell, Fries, and Vickey Parents Magazine – at newsstands or by subscription Growing Child – A newsletter sent each month as your child grows, by subscription: Growing Child, 22 N. Second Street, Lafayette, IN, 47902