Getting to Know Your Baby: Baby's Second Month Guide
Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been a part
of your home for more than four weeks now. The new dad and
mum are now more relaxed, confident, and really enjoy their
new responsibilities (at least most of the time). Here are a
few pointers on what to expect in baby's second month.
Semblance of order
Baby is no longer attached to mom's breast all the time. A
feed every 2-3 hours usually keeps her satisfied.
Spitting of milk after a feed is normal. Make sure you burp
your baby after every feed.
Your two month-old baby most probably now sleeps 3-4 hours
between nighttime feedings. She has definite waking hours
during the day, which means mom and dad too can work out a
routine.
She knows you!
In baby's second month, she focuses her eyes better, and can
follow an object in an arc about six to eight inches from
her face. She does not actually recognize your face, but
definitely knows your touch, scent and voice. When you coo
to her or talk in gentle soothing tones, she starts to make
babbling sounds in response.
She enjoys smiling faces, smiles in return, and has a whole
range of facial expressions.
I am a big(ger) girl now!
Baby has lost some of her early reflexes and has more
control over her movements now. When placed on her stomach
she can lift her head for brief periods. If your baby sucks
her fists and fingers, let her enjoy the activity. It is
too early to picture your two month-old walking to school
with her thumb in her mouth.
Bath time can be playtime for your two-month old baby.
Trimming baby's nails is best done after a bath (with tiny
scissors/infant nail clippers).
To use or not to use
If you plan to introduce the bottle, baby's second month
is
the perfect time. Breast may be best. But if you have milk
supply issues or have to go back to work, bottle-feeding
might be necessary. A combination of both can work well
too.
Whether to use a dummy or pacifier is a tough choice to
make. Make sure baby's nursing patterns are well
established before you do use one.
Hello Doctor
A regular well-baby check-up is scheduled in baby's second
month. Your doctor will allay any doubts you have and
discuss safety issues like placing baby on her back to
sleep, the need for an infant car seat and all the other
questions you have.
Your baby will get oral polio drops and some shots this
month, most probably a combination of the triple antigen,
Influenza and Hepatitis B. These shots usually cause a
little fever, which can make some babies cranky. Your
doctor will prescribe a fever medication for your baby.
Daddy's girl too!
Dads can involve themselves in every aspect of childcare
though they tend to do most things differently. Dad holds
baby in his own way, perhaps a little too firmly, but she
loves it!
Baby's second month sees her turning from a cute
unresponsive newborn into a tiny interactive person. Watch
your little bundle of joy grow and learn a host of things
along the way.
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