Nutrition for a 2-Month Old
See how your little one has grown! Your baby still needs only breast milk or formula to grow healthy and strong. Breast-fed babies usually eat every 2 to 3 hours and may go longer at night. Formula-fed infants usually take 3 to 4 oz. every 3 to 4 hours. Your baby will not be ready for solid foods for a couple of months unless directed by your pediatrician/provider. If you are exclusively breast feeding your baby or your baby is receiving less than 33 oz of formula/day, give 1 dropperful every day of vitamin D drops such as D-Visol to prevent vitamin D deficiency. This can be purchased over the counter. Babies have a need to suck even when they are not hungry. If it appears that your baby is still hungry after a feeding or becomes hungry too early, you may want to try a pacifier or help your baby find a thumb.
You may notice that your baby is now recognizing your preparations for feeding. They know what is about to happen when placed in a feeding position and can anticipate nursing or taking a bottle. The same is true for other routines like diapering as well.
Development and Behavior for a 2-Month Old
Your baby is probably developing a sleeping pattern by now- perhaps 3 to 4 hour intervals at night. Patterns vary from baby to baby and are not related to feeding more at bedtime. Begin to consider establishing bedtime routines and put your infant down to sleep when they are drowsy, but still awake.
Your baby is now smiling more and starting to vocalize (cooing). They may have good head control and even lift it up when lying down. You may notice you are being followed by their eyes as you walk around. Babies need lots of love and attention. Spend special time playing with, talking to, and cuddling your baby. You cannot spoil your baby by picking up when crying. Your baby needs you at these times. If your baby is colicky ask your doctor for advice.
Give your baby at least 3-4 session of “tummy time” daily while they are awake and being supervised. This helps build their muscle tone and prevent their head from flattening in the back.
If you have other children, make sure you spend special time with them also. Family relationships change as new members are added. Give attention to your partner as well as to your own needs. A baby can generate a variety of feelings among family members. It is important to discuss these feelings together within the family.
Safety for a 2-Month Old
- Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat every time you travel in the car.
- Never place your baby in a seat with an airbag or in the front seat.
- Do not leave your baby alone in the car or unattended on elevated surfaces in the home.
- Use a car seat in the home on the floor only.
Do not eat or drink anything hot while holding the baby. In the crib or playpen, keep the sides up at all times. Remember there is great potential for accidents using a walker. Select toys that are unbreakable, have no small or detachable parts, or are too large to swallow. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check batteries regularly. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Keep your home and car smoke free.
Immunizations and Shots for a 2-Month Old
Today, your baby will receive the Pediarix, Prevnar, Hib and Rotateq immunizations. Acetaminophen drops can be given after the shots for fever and irritability. You may repeat the dose every 4 hours up to 24 hours. Please review your printed information on immunizations and address any questions to your provider.
Next Appointment
At 4 months your baby will receive a checkup, be measured for height, weight and head circumference, and receive the second set Pediarix, Prevnar, Hib and Rotateq immunizations. Call our office at any time if you have any questions or concerns.