By the time your baby is two months old, you probably have acquired many basic skills of parenting, such as how to change a diaper or when and how to feed her. As she enters the next month of life, however, you may be surprised at how your infant develops and what those developments allow her to do.
Physical Traits
At two months old, your infant will develop at the same rate that he has been growing since birth. According to child health website Healthy Children, he will gain one and a half or two pounds and 1 or 2 inches in height during the first four months. The soft spot on your infant's head will still be open. Your baby will be plump until his muscles develop further. As he matures, your child will appear taller because his bones are developing rapidly.
Social Behavior
Your two-month-old baby will begin to smile, especially when she hears your voice, and will become much more expressive with her face and body. She might even laugh and coo. Your infant will learn to imitate expressions and certain movements in her second month. You will begin to notice her enjoying playtime much more once she hits the two-month mark.
Sensory Development
Sensory skills are some of the very first skills an infant learns, and a two-month-old baby will begin noticing changes in his environment and developing preferences for what is around him. Your baby will begin developing hand-eye coordination and will recognize objects and voices. As he now recognizes the objects and people who bring him joy, he will also be particular about who holds him. Your two-month old will also prefer sweet smells and will enjoy the feeling of soft objects on his skin.
Language
At the two-month mark, your child will experience the very beginnings of language development. She will learn and experiment with vowel sounds and combine them, listening to herself as she begins to recognize her voice. She will also coo and will become aware of her tongue, making a razzing sound with her mouth.
Methods to Enhance Development
You can engage with your baby in ways that will enhance his development, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To help with physical development, try holding your baby up and letting him put weight on his legs, encouraging muscle growth. To enhance his language skills, repeat his coos and babbles while also adding your own words. Play music, read to him and talk to him regularly.
