Your baby’s second month of life is an exciting time as you watch your little one grow and develop. During this month, your baby will continue to hit important milestones and make progress in their physical, cognitive, and social development. In this article, we will explore some of the key developments that you can expect to see in your two-month-old baby.
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Sleep for a 2-Month Old
At two months old, most babies need around 14-17 hours of sleep per day, including naps and nighttime sleep. However, every baby is different, and some may require more or less sleep than others. Typically, babies at this age sleep for shorter periods during the day, around 2-3 hours per nap, and wake up every 3-4 hours at night for feeding .
It's essential to create a conducive sleep environment for your baby. This includes keeping the room dark and quiet, ensuring that the temperature is comfortable, and keeping your baby's crib or bassinet free of soft bedding or toys. Additionally, it's crucial to establish a bedtime routine that signals to your baby that it's time to sleep, such as a warm bath or a lullaby.
5 Things you can do to help your 2-month old with sleep
1. Follow a consistent sleep schedule - Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule for your baby, with regular nap and bedtime routines. Download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers™ to track sleeps and help you follow age appropriate wake windows and to get helpful notifications when ti’s time to start looking for sleepy cues. When your baby’s body clock is in tune with their biological rhythms, it makes it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep.
2. Create a calming bedtime routine - A calming bedtime routine, such as a warm bath, massage, or quiet storytime, can help your baby relax and get ready for sleep. Always separate feeding from sleep and be sure to place your baby down, drowsy but awake.
3. Encourage daytime napping - Daytime napping is essential for your baby's growth and development, as it helps them recharge and consolidate what they've learned during wake time. If your baby is struggling with naps, it helps to get their sleeps in sync with their biological rhythms – the AI powered Smart Schedule in the Smart Sleep Coach app can help you do that, and features helpful notifications to remind you when it’s time for your baby’s nap.
4. Learn your baby's sleep cues - Learning your baby's sleep cues, such as rubbing their eyes or yawning, can help you identify when they're tired and ready for sleep. Responding to these cues promptly can help prevent overstimulation and make it easier for your baby to fall asleep.
5. Practice safe sleep - Safe sleep practices , such as placing your baby on their back to sleep and keeping their sleeping area free of soft bedding and toys, can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Always follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for safe sleep practices.
TIP: It’s around this age that your baby learns to roll. From back to front and front to back – as soon as your baby can roll one way or the other, it’s time to ditch the swaddle !
Set your baby up for healthy sleep habits but giving them the space and time to practice falling asleep independently. The more you can place them down drowsy, but awake the better chance you have of them getting used to becoming an independent sleeper.
Mandy Treeby , Pediatric Sleep Coach and Co-Founder of the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers
Your 2-Month Old’s Physical Development
At two months old, your baby continue develop significantly, physically - as their muscles and nervous system mature. Here are some milestones that you can expect your 2-month-old to reach:
Developing Head Control - Your baby can now hold their head up briefly while on their tummy or when held upright. They may also turn their head towards sounds or voices.
Improved Vision - Your baby's vision has significantly improved, and they can now track objects and people with their eyes. They are also becoming more sensitive to colors, shapes, and patterns.
Strengthened Limbs - Your baby's arms and legs are gaining strength, and they can now move them more fluidly. You may notice your baby pushing up with their arms during tummy time or bringing their hands to their mouth.
Increasing Hand-eye Coordination - Your baby is beginning to develop hand-eye coordination, and they may start to reach for objects with their hands. They may also bring their hands together and begin to explore the objects around them.
Enhanced Reflexes - Your baby's reflexes, such as the Moro reflex (startle reflex) and the rooting reflex (turning their head towards a touch on their cheek), are becoming more controlled and refined.
It's important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and some babies may reach these milestones earlier or later than others. If you have concerns about your baby's physical development, speak to your pediatrician for guidance.
As your baby continues to grow and develop physically, make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities for movement and play. Tummy time, where your baby spends time on their tummy while awake and supervised, is an essential activity for building strength in their neck, back, and arms. You can also provide your baby with toys and objects to explore and play with, which can help stimulate their senses and promote their physical development.
Your 2-Month Old’s Cognitive Development
At two months old, your baby is making significant strides in their cognitive development, as their brains continue to grow and mature. Here are some milestones that you can expect your 2-month-old to reach:
Recognizing Faces - Your baby can now recognize familiar faces, especially those of their caregivers. They may smile, coo, or make eye contact when they see a familiar face.
Responding to Sounds - Your baby's hearing has significantly improved, and they can now recognize and respond to sounds. They may turn their head towards sounds or voices, and they may startle or become more alert in response to loud noises.
Exploring with Their Senses - Your baby is beginning to explore the world around them using their senses. They may look at and touch objects, and they may put objects in their mouth to explore their taste and texture.
Mimicking Expressions - Your baby is beginning to mimic facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning. They may also imitate sounds or gestures that they see or hear.
Developing Social Skills - Your baby is starting to develop social skills, such as recognizing familiar faces and responding to others' emotions. They may also start to communicate with you through coos, smiles, and other vocalizations.
It's important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and some babies may reach these milestones earlier or later than others. If you have concerns about your baby's cognitive development, speak to your pediatrician for guidance.
As your baby continues to grow and develop cognitively, make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exploration and stimulation. Talking to your baby, singing songs, and reading books can all help promote their language development and stimulate their cognitive development.
2-Month Old Growth: Weight and Height
Your two month old, is growing rapidly but their weight and length can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, and overall health.
Boys Growth at 2-months
Average Weight: 12.3 pounds (5.6 kg)
Average Length: 22.5 inches (57 cm)
Girls Growth at 2-months
Average Weight: 11.5 pounds (5.2 kg)
Average Length: 21.5 inches (55 cm)
It's important to remember that these are just average statistics, and your baby's growth may differ slightly from these numbers. Your pediatrician will track your baby's growth during your regular wellness check-ups to ensure that they are growing at a healthy rate and it’s important to consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s growth.
In addition to monitoring your baby's physical growth, it's important to pay attention to their developmental milestones and provide them with plenty of opportunities for play and exploration. Engaging with your baby through talking, singing, and playing can help support their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Feeding a 2-Month Old – Milestones and Tips
Feeding is a critical aspect of your 2-month-old baby's growth and development, here's what you need to know about feeding your 2-month-old baby.
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is recommended as the ideal way to feed your baby during the first six months of their life and if nursing, your baby will likely be feeding every 2-3 hours, or around 8-12 times per day.
Latching: Your baby should have a good latch to ensure that they are effectively receiving milk from your breast. Signs of a good latch include your baby's mouth covering the entire areola, their lips flanged outward, and you can hear them swallowing.
Milk Supply: Breast milk supply should be established by now, and you can expect to produce around 25-35 ounces of milk per day.
Nighttime Feedings: Nighttime feedings are still important at this age. Your baby may sleep for longer stretches at night but should still be fed every 3-4 hours.
Formula Feeding:
If you are formula feeding your baby, here are some key milestones and tips to keep in mind:
Feeding Frequency: Your baby will likely be feeding every 3-4 hours, or around 6-8 times per day.
Formula Amount: At this age, your baby may consume 4-6 ounces of formula per feeding.
Preparing Formula: Be sure to follow the instructions on the formula packaging to ensure that the formula is mixed correctly and is the appropriate temperature for your baby.
Nighttime Feedings: Just like with breastfeeding, nighttime feedings are still important for formula-fed babies. Your baby may sleep for longer stretches at night but should still be fed every 3-4 hours.
Regardless of the feeding method you choose, it's essential to pay attention to your baby's hunger cues and feed them on demand. Feeding on demand means offering milk when your baby shows signs of hunger, such as rooting, sucking, or putting their hand to their mouth.
If you have any concerns about your baby's feeding habits or growth, speak to your pediatrician for guidance.
How much does a 2-month old eat
A 2-month-old baby will typically eat around 4 to 5 ounces of formula or breast milk per feeding, and will feed about 6 to 8 times a day. However, it's important to note that every baby is different and may have their own unique feeding schedule and needs. It's also important to monitor the baby's weight gain and growth, as well as to consult with a pediatrician if you have any concerns about their feeding habits.
Should you wake a 2-month old to feed?
It is generally recommended to wake a 2-month-old baby to feed if they have not fed for more than 4-5 hours during the day or 6 hours at night. This is because babies need to feed frequently to meet their nutritional needs and to support their growth and development.
However, if your baby is gaining weight appropriately, seems satisfied after feedings, and is having enough wet and soiled diapers, it may be okay to let them sleep longer stretches at night without waking them to feed.
It's important to consult with your pediatrician to develop a feeding schedule that meets your baby's individual needs, especially if your baby has any health concerns or feeding issues.
What to Expect at Your 2-Month-Old’s Wellness Check
At your 2-month old's wellness check, you can expect the pediatrician to perform a thorough physical examination and check your baby's growth and development milestones . Here are some of the things your pediatrician may do during the visit:
Weigh and measure your baby: The doctor will measure your baby's weight, length, and head circumference to track their growth.
Conduct a physical exam: The pediatrician will examine your baby's overall health and development. They will check your baby's eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, and other body parts for any signs of abnormalities.
Update vaccines: Your baby may be due for certain vaccines at this visit, including the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine, DTaP, IPV, Hib, and PCV.
Ask questions: The pediatrician may ask you questions about your baby's feeding habits, sleeping patterns, and bowel movements. They will also ask about any concerns you have regarding your baby's health. It’s helpful to have feeding and sleep tracked in an app like the SmartSleep Coach by Pampers so you can easily share that information when needed.
Provide guidance: The pediatrician may provide guidance on topics such as breastfeeding or formula feeding, safe sleep practices, and how to promote your baby's development.
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, so don't worry if your baby is not meeting every milestone right on schedule. The pediatrician will monitor your baby's progress and let you know if there are any concerns.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. 2020. Infant development: Birth to 3 months. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-development/art-20048012
CDC. 2021. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Two Months. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2mo.html
CDC. 2001. Data Table of Infant Weight-for-age Charts. https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/html_charts/wtageinf.htm
Hirshkowitz M et al. 2015. National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations: methodology and results summary. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073412/
How We Wrote This Article
The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
