The 2-month-old baby is a little more active than the newborn, however, he still interacts little with people and needs to sleep around 16 hours a day, and may have light, restless or more restful sleep.
At 2 months, the baby improves head support, lifting his head when placed on his stomach. In addition, the baby can perceive some sounds and follows people’s movements with their eyes, exploring more of what is around them.
The baby’s feeding at 2 months should be exclusively with breast milk and on demand, which is when the baby wants to breastfeed. In cases where the mother is unable to breastfeed, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics recommends the use of infant formula, following the pediatrician’s recommendations.
At this age, the baby already smiles in response to stimuli from parents or guardians, in addition to perceiving and babbling some sounds, playing with his fingers and moving his body.
It is important to remember that the characteristics of sleep, speech and play occur at different rates for each baby. Therefore, in cases of doubt about the baby’s development, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician.
Baby weight
The following table indicates the baby’s ideal weight range for this age, as well as other important parameters such as height and head circumference according to the World Health Organization:
However, if the baby presents values above or below those indicated, it is recommended to consult the pediatrician to assess the child’s development.
How does a baby sleep?
A 2-month-old baby’s sleep is not yet very regular, lasting 14 to 16 hours a day and they may wake up around 2 to 3 times during the night due to some discomfort, such as hunger, or urine and feces in the diaper.
Some babies can “change day for night” and, to help maintain good sleeping habits, there are some fundamental tips, which include:
- If you wake up too early, try to keep your baby in the crib so they can sleep a little longer;
- Keep the room darker, using curtains, for example;
- Do not let the baby sleep in the parent’s or guardian’s bed;
- Try to give the last feeding at bedtime.
Furthermore, it is also important to maintain the same routine before bed so that the baby gets used to the sleep schedule, which should be continuous and last around 10 hours per night.
Baby food at 2 months
According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, 2-month-old babies should be fed exclusively with breast milk, which should be offered on free demand, that is, whenever the baby wants it.
It is recommended to maintain exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, as breast milk provides all the nutrients and the amount of water that the baby needs.
If the mother cannot breastfeed the baby, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics recommends the use of infant formula, which must follow the pediatrician’s recommendations regarding type and quantity.
It is important to remember that babies who are fed infant formula need to drink 700 ml of water per day, and it is important to consult your pediatrician regarding the need to offer pure, filtered or boiled water, in addition to that used to prepare bottles. See the recommended amount of water according to the baby’s age.
Baby development
At 2 months the baby is not very active, but is starting to support his head a little better, lifting his head when placed on his stomach.
Normally, babies cry when they are hungry, sleepy, have a dirty diaper, are in pain, or when they want affection and more attention from their parents or guardians. Learn about other causes of baby crying.
At this age, the baby is able to perceive some sounds, smiles in response to his parents’ stimuli, as well as babbling some sounds.
At 2 months, the baby still has blurred vision, but brightly colored objects already catch his attention, allowing him to follow the movement of people with his eyes, and exploring more of what is around him.
See what to do on a daily basis to stimulate your baby’s development:
When to vaccinate your baby
At 2 months, it is important that the baby receives the vaccines included in the national vaccination calendar, such as:
- First dose of the VIP/VOP vaccine, against polio;
- First dose of the Pentavalent/DTP vaccine, against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, Haemophilus meningitis type B and hepatitis B;
- First dose of the Rotavirus vaccine.
In addition, the baby at 2 months also receives the first dose of the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumonia, otitis, meningitis and other diseases caused by pneumococcus. Discover all the vaccine planning for each baby stage.
Games and activities
Baby’s games at 2 months old are important to stimulate development and increase the bond with parents or guardians. To do this, the baby must be stimulated with calm music, songs or massages after bathing, for example.
Another way to stimulate the baby’s vision is by hanging objects, colorful figures, mobiles in the crib or wherever the baby stays during the day.
Furthermore, it is important to talk to the baby, looking directly into their eyes, with a low and calm voice, to encourage the child’s communication and connection with their parents or guardians. See other games to stimulate baby’s development.
At 2 months, the baby can already take daily walks in open and airy places, such as squares or natural parks, preferably before 10:00 in the morning, or in the late afternoon, from 5:00 pm.
