When you first brought your baby home from the hospital, it seemed as if all he did was eat, sleep and create dirty diapers. But after two months, you’re starting to notice some real changes in your baby. He’s eating more, sleeping more and developing his own personality.
Sleeping
While your baby may not be sleeping through the night at 2 months, he should begin to settle into a regular sleep pattern. Expect your baby to sleep for about 15 hours out of a 24-hour period, with his longest periods of sleep occurring at night. Instead of taking catnaps throughout the day, he should begin to settle into a routine of two or three naps a day, and wake once a night for a feeding.
Eating
At 2 months of age, your baby should only be consuming breast milk, formula and small amounts of water. If you’re nursing, expect your baby to want to eat seven to nine times a day. Formula-fed babies will eat every three to four hours, or six to seven times a day. Multiply your baby’s weight by 2.5 to determine the number of ounces she should be consuming daily. So if your 2-month-old weighs 10 pounds, she should be eating 25 oz. of formula daily.
Gaining Strength
A 2-month-old is getting stronger and gaining control of his muscles every day. By this age, increasing strength in his neck and shoulders allows him to hold his head steady, and he can turn his head to watch what is going on around him. The jerky movements of a newborn are a thing of the past, and his movements become smoother. Your baby can bring his hands to his face and put his fingers in his mouth, though he may not be able to keep them there. Since his hands are now open, allow him to touch different objects. If you put a toy in his hand, he will be able to hold it, though he may not be able to release it.
Communication
Though baby will still communicate through her cries, she may begin making babbling or cooing sounds at 2 months of age. She’ll start gurgling and cooing, and may put sounds together, such as “ah-ah” or “ooh-ooh-ooh.” You may also see your baby’s first smile during her second month.
Playtime
It is never too early to being playing with your baby. Sing songs or read books together–he will listen. Babies love poems and nursery rhymes, especially when recited in a light, sing-song voice. Use your baby’s name in “conversation” often so he learns it. Watch your baby’s facial expressions, and imitate them. He will soon begin to imitate your expressions.
