Routine Well Visit: 2 Months

Development

Your baby is continuing to grow and you will start to see his/her own personality/temperament start to develop! By 2 months, your baby should:

  • Smile, respond to noise
  • Follow you with his/her eyes
  • Show improved head control
  • Exhibit a strong sucking reflex – she/he might have found their fingers or thumb
  • Have a strong grasp
  • Kick both legs and move his/her arms when lying on their back
  • Have improved vision – they can now see objects & faces up to 18” away
  • Recognize parent’s face/voice and respond with coos and gurgles

Continue with tummy time for short intervals throughout wakeful periods. Continue to sing, cuddle, rock, and interact with your baby. This builds a strong bond and your baby will learn to be confident that you are always there for them. It is not possible to “spoil” a baby at this stage.

Nutrition

Breastfed babies will set their own needs, but on average, your baby will feed 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. Many babies exhibit a growth spurt around this time, so don’t be surprised if feeding increases at this time. Continue with Vitamin D supplementation.

Formula fed babies have set into a routine and you can expect to feed every 3-4 hours. Plan to keep about 1-2 ounces of extra formula in the bottle for feeds, as you will notice that some feeds are “hungrier” than others. Feed baby upright in your arms to promote bonding.

Sleep

Continue to have baby sleep on his/her back on a firm surface without blankets, bumper pads or stuffed animals in the crib. Baby will sleep between feeds, but you will notice that there are certain wakeful periods during the day. During nighttime feeds, keep the room dimly lit and return baby to crib for sleep.

Change your baby’s position and gaze during time in the crib. This will decrease flattening of the skull. The flattening seen is not harmful, but is more cosmetic. Changes in position and tummy-time is the solution.

Safety

  • Rear-facing care seat, always. Never in someone’s arms! Be sure to abide by the manufacturer’s height and weight guidelines
  • Baby should be in light clothing so the car seat straps fit snugly.
  • Child-proof your home if you haven’t already done so

The 2 month office visit

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC vaccine recommendations for vaccines and well-child visits. You can expect that in addition to measurement of baby’s growth and physical assessment by the provider, they will receive vaccines at this time. Our nurses are skilled at making sure this is completed efficiently and with the least amount of stress for baby and for parents 😊. For more information about vaccines, visit www.immunize.org/vis