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.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
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.
5Things 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.
FAQs:
What should a 2-month-old baby be
doing?
At 2 months old, your baby should be able
to lift their head briefly while lying on their stomach, and may even be able
to push up with their arms. They may also grasp a finger or object when it's
placed in their hand, and kick their legs, wave their arms randomly and start
to smile responsively.
How long should tummy time be at
2-months?
At 2 months old, tummy time should be
encouraged for at least 10-15 minutes per session, several times a day.
Gradually, the tummy time duration can be increased as the baby grows stronger
and more comfortable with the position.
What motor skills should a
2-month-old have?
At 2 months old, your baby's motor skills
are still developing. They should be able to lift their head briefly while
lying on their stomach, grasp a finger or object when it's placed in their
hand, and kick their legs and wave their arms randomly.
What are some cognitive milestones
for 2-month-old?
At 2 months old, your baby's cognitive
milestones are just beginning to emerge. They may begin to recognize familiar
faces and voices, and may turn their head in the direction of sounds. They may
also start to visually track objects and show an interest in colorful or
high-contrast toys. Simple interactions, such as smiling or cooing in response
to their caregiver, are also important cognitive milestones at this age.
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.