Two Month Visit

General

• Your baby has a personality now and is smiling and making his demands (or boredom) known.  Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions about physical development.

• Taking care of a baby requires a lot of energy.  Take care of your self and your partner so you can care for your baby.  Take advantage of time the baby is asleep to do things for yourself. 

• Remember to set aside individual time for your other children.

• Spending time playing, talking, cuddling or rocking your baby does not spoil him.  This is the foundation of a trusting relationship.

Caring for Your Baby

• Try to stick to a regular sleeping schedule. If your baby is not sleeping through the night try more frequent feedings during the daytime hours to move him to a 4-5 hour night time sleep stretch.  

• Continue to put your baby to sleep on his back to reduce the risk of SIDS.  Tummy time can accomplished during waking hours.  

• When your baby makes sounds, talk back to him, especially during dressing, feeding, bathing, playing and walking. Singing, talking, and reading aloud helps with speech development.

• Your baby is developing the ability to put his hands in his mouth.  Sucking on hands, fingers or a pacifier will calm the baby.

• Remember, if you feel frustrated with a crying baby, work to calm the baby but ask for help from others.  Never shake, hit or yell at a baby.

• If you are looking at child care facilities, look for those that are licensed or family care centers that meet specific criteria.  Visit and spend time in any setting you are considering.  You should expect the child care provider to have infection control practices in place and give you a daily activity report about your baby’s feedings, sleep, play and elimination.

Nutrition

• Your baby should be taking just breast milk or formula.  Extra water is not necessary unless it is hot and you live in a house without air conditioning, or if your baby has a fever or diarrhea.  Call your pediatrician if any of these occur.  We do not recommend giving your baby juice.

Safety

• Your baby should only be transported in a rear facing car safety seat that is properly secured in the back seat of your vehicle.  Remember, never transport your baby in someone else’s car without the car seat.

• Use a seat belt at all times.  

• Consider your home and vehicle to be non-smoking zones.  Never expose your baby to second hand smoke in your home or car.  If you smoke and want to quit, ask your physician for resources.

• Your baby is getting stronger.  Never leave the baby unattended on the changing table, couch, infant seat, or bed.  He is learning to roll and push off.  

• Your baby is learning to reach and will begin to put things in his mouth.  Keep small objects, small toys, plastic bags and balloons away from your baby.

Oral Health

• Never prop a baby’s bottle.