Your Baby At Two Months

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Two months may seem like a long time right now, but time will begin to fly from this point onward. It’s easy to see how “Labor & Delivery” is the easiest part of child-rearing.

Two Month Old Feeding Tips

Feeding your baby has probably occupied most of your time over the past two months, or so it seems. The quantity of milk needed by the baby is best estimated by how well the infant is growing, but is in the range of 30-36 oz. per 24 hours.

Sterilizing bottles, nipples, etc. is not necessary, nor is boiling water to mix the formula unless you have well water that may possibly be contaminated.

Cereals and other solids ARE NOT NECESSARY at this time (usually started at 4-6 months). Juice is acceptable if you feel compelled (mix 1/2 juice and 1/2 water), but good ole water will do the trick for a thirsty baby. It is important to teach children to like water to avoid becoming a “juiceaholic” later.

Nursing 

Nursing mothers may wish to offer the baby a bottle of formula on occasion when breast feeding is not available. In the event that mom is returning to work, it certainly will work to continue breast feeding before and after work, with formula being given by the caretaker while mom is at work.

Formula will not “poison” little Bubba/Bubbette and is certainly more practical than going through the gymnastics of pumping/storing breast milk. Whatever you can do to preserve life as a parent is certainly welcome at this point.

Sleeping

By 2 months, 50% of infants should be sleeping all night. That’s usually “the other 50%.” If you’re in the unlucky 1/2, try these suggestions:

  1. Place the little night owl in the crib when he is drowsy but still awake.
  2. Hold your baby for extremely fussy times during the first 3 months.
  3. Do not let “Rip Van Tinkle” sleep for more than 3 consecutive hours during the day unless you want to stay up to count the stars all night.
  4. Middle of the night feedings should be brief and boring.
  5. Don’t awaken your baby to change diapers during the night except if they are soiled or you are treating a diaper rash, or under penalty of law.  
  6. Don’t let your baby sleep in your bed unless you like permanent habits.
  7. Choose a later bedtime (10 or 11 p.m.) and give the last feeding then.
  8. At 2-3 months, move your baby’s crib to a separate room.
  9. Try to delay middle-of-the-night feedings and be slow to respond.
  10. Feed less and less over consecutive nights as you approach 4 months.

Two Month Old Baby Development 

Between 2 and 4 months, most infants are well aware of their surroundings. They will smile, goo, laugh, and interact quite well. They may grasp at large objects and may even roll over. They certainly will steal the hearts of any unsuspecting persons they encounter.

Two Month Old Shots

Today we will give the DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis), Comvax (Hepatitis B & Hib), and IPV (injectable polio). The immunizations are usually worse on the mother than the baby, but may cause a bit of discomfort for both. Please review the Immunization Booklet again and ask any questions before the immunizations are given.

Traveling With A Two Month Old

You are now allowed to travel. Period. No restrictions apply except where governed by law. The great outdoors await you, but dress the little one appropriately for the weather. They don’t “catch colds” when they go out (have you ever seen a tree with a cold?), nor do they develop ear infections from not covering their ears.

But still use common sense in avoiding the enemy: sick humans. Use caution when deciding to put the little one in the nursery. The fewer children in any one place, the better!

Coming Attractions

Feeding the baby will be discussed at 4 months. Another DTaP, IPV and Comvax is due at the 4-month checkup. Lots more fun ahead!