Health Information

Caring for Your 2-Month-Old

Family Adjustment: It is very common for parents to feel uncertain and overtired at this stage. If you feel overwhelmed or overly sad, ask for help or call your pediatrician’s office.

Try to rest while the baby is sleeping. Accept help when it is offered.

If you have not already, establish daily routines.

It is normal for older siblings to feel jealous and insecure, and maybe even angry. Try to keep older siblings involved in a way that is helpful to you and lets them feel included in the attention the baby is receiving (reading to baby, helping to pick out their clothes outfits, playing peek-a-boo). It is fun for them to have conversations with their new sibling by repeating the baby’s sounds and adding words.

Find ways to spend time alone with each child and with your partner. Make this part of your routine.

If you are returning to work outside the home, have trustworthy child care in place. If you are nursing, begin pumping breastmilk to feed baby when you are at work.
Nutrition: Exclusively breast-fed infants are recommended to receive supplemental vitamin D (400 IU/day), which is available at most drug stores/supermarkets.

Bottles should be held, not propped, for babies.

Hold your baby so you can look at each other face-to-face during the feeding.

Stooling frequency is variable and depends upon whether your baby is breast or formula fed.

Infants need to nurse/fed every two to three hours. Bottle fed infants may eat less frequently.

Stop feeding when you see signs your baby is full such as turning away, closing the mouth or relaxing.

Water, other drinks and solid foods should not be given at this age, unless advised by your pediatrician. Do not give honey to your baby.
Elimination: Regular, easy-to-pass, soft yellow stools at least once daily are normal in this age group. However, skipping a day is not a concern.

If you have concerns about the frequency or consistency of the baby’s stool, talk with your baby’s doctor.
Baby Care: Bathe your infant in a small tub/bathinette using warm (not hot) water and gentle soap, as frequently as every day. Never leave your baby alone during bath time. Assure hottest water temperature does not exceed 120 degrees.

When the child is fussy, a change of scenery can be helpful. If the weather cooperates, try going for a walk.

Sounds that remind baby of being inside the womb may be calming, such as a white noise device or the recording of a heartbeat.

Protect your baby’s skin from sun exposure. If possible, infants should be kept out of direct sunlight. Use a hat to shield babies from the sun. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that offers UVA and UVB protection if shade is not available.

Beginning at 2 months of age, you may treat fevers at home. Fever is a temperature above 100.4°F. A rectal temperature is the most accurate way to measure for fever. Do not treat fevers unless they go above 102°F. At this age, you may treat fever with Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and only Acetaminophen. Ibuprofen should only be used in children 6 months of age and older. Ask your Pediatrician for the appropriate dose of Acetaminophen based on his weight.
Growth and Development: Most 2-month-olds responsively smile and coo, and love social interaction.

Babies this age will make eye contact with you, and their eyes will follow you as you walk around the room. They may occasionally cross their eyes.

Singing and cuddling with your baby will build trust and closeness in the relationship. Reading to your infant will promote language skills.

“Tummy time” helps your infant develop strong muscles in the neck and back that will eventually allow the baby to sit up. It is encouraged while the baby is awake and alert. Most 2-month-olds keep their heads up when lying on their bellies. This can also help reduce the risk for flattening the back of baby's head, called plagiocephaly.

Routines begin to emerge regarding sleeping and feeding schedules.
Safety: Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Co-sleeping, sleeping with your child, increases the risk for SIDS. Infants should sleep in a crib with a firm mattress covered by a fitted sheet. Keep bumper pads, pillows, blankets, loose bedding and soft objects, like stuffed toys, out of the crib.

Swaddling should not be used after 2 months of age.

Some babies can roll at this age. Do not leave your baby unattended in a tub or on any surface off the ground, such as sofas, countertops or changing tables.

Supervise pets and siblings when they are around the baby.

Keep the living environment (including the car) smoke-free. Do not smoke in your home or your car.

Keep small items (choking hazards) and hot liquids (burn risks) away from the baby.

Never shake or hit your baby.

Make sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

All babies this age must ride in a rear-facing five-point harness car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.

Positive Parenting for Early Brain Development

Your baby’s early years of life are important for brain development. The brain begins to develop through early learning and play. Everything your child sees, hears, touches, smell and tastes is a learning experience so it is important for you to help them explore the world around them. You are your child’s first teacher. Here are some resources to visit:

Read to your child daily. It’s never too soon to start good habits.

This document contains general parenting information based on American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and is not meant to replace the expert advice of your pediatrician.