Your Baby's 2 Month Visit

NUTRITION

Breast milk or iron fortified formula is the only food your baby will need for the first 4-6 months.   Introducing other items too early can lead to allergies, anemia and weight problems.  Contrary to popular belief, solid foods do not make a baby sleep through the night.  There is no reason that your baby needs any additional water or juices at this age.

Now your baby is probably beginning to follow a more predictable feeding schedule of 6-8 feedings per day.  Breast fed babies may be feeding a little more frequently.  The amount of breast milk or formula babies take varies, but up to 28-32 ounces each 24 hours should be enough.  Breast fed babies are getting enough if they are gaining weight and wetting diapers at least four times a day.  An infant should be allowed to stop feeding at the earliest sign that he or she may be getting full.  A bottle does not need to be finished at every feeding.

Spitting up is still very common at this age.  It is a messy nuisance, but it usually decreases by 6-8 months and is not a medical problem as long as the baby is growing and gaining weight well.  Don’t prop bottles or allow bottles in bed.  You should hold and talk to your baby during feedings.  Never put anything in the bottles except for formula or expressed breast milk.

If you will be returning to work and have been breastfeeding, call us if you have any questions about making this transition. 


SLEEPING

Your baby is now starting to establish a schedule and may sleep soundly for up to 5-6 hours.  At night time feedings, keep light levels low and discourage playfulness and excessive talking.  Put your baby back to bed as soon as possible.  It is preferable at this age to have baby sleep in a separate bed even if she is in your room.  Establishing a good nighttime ritual including placing the child in the crib when drowsy (not fully asleep) and reading to your infant will promote great lifelong habits.


PLAYTIME                                                                                                                                           

Keep the baby, when awake, in the room with you to enjoy the surroundings.  Listen to music together, but do not leave the radio or TV on in the background as this background noise can delay speech development.  Encourage babbling and cooing.  We encourage “tummy time” during wakeful times, even for the little ones who fuss when placed on their tummies.  This promotes head and upper body strength and control.  Moms and dads need playtime too!  Allow an afternoon or evening out for yourselves by leaving your baby with a trusted, competent sitter.

BATHING

Your baby may enjoy bathing now with splashing, cooing and playing in the water.  Be sure to pay close attention to the baby’s genitals.  For uncircumcised boys, retract the foreskin gently only to as far as it naturally goes and cleanse the tip of the glans of the penis if it is exposed.  If the foreskin is unyielding, do not force it to retract.  For little girls, be sure to wipe from front to back when cleaning.  Gently spread the outer labia to cleanse stool and secretions and prevent adhesions.  You may apply moisturizing creams to the infant’s skin which will be very helpful if your infant has a tendency to have dry skin.  There is no need to bathe your infant every day; every other or even every third day is adequate.


SAFETY

Accidents kill more infants in the first year of life than any other cause.  Keep your baby safe by following a few recommendations.


Sleep Safety: 

*Have baby sleep on back

   *Use firm crib mattress

   *No blankets, pillows or stuffed animals in crib

   *Keep environmental temperature comfortable

   *No smoking

Car Safety:         

*Use an approved infant car seat while traveling

   *The infant should be placed in the back seat with the car seat rear-facing until your child is 2 years of age

   *Never hold your infant in your lap while traveling in an automobile

   *Have your car seat installation inspected by trained personnel

Burns:               

*Always check water temp before bath

   *Set water heater to < 120˚F.

   *Never smoke or drink hot liquids when holding baby

   *Avoid exposure to direct sunlight

   *Avoid microwave for heating formula/breast milk

Falls:                   

*Do not leave unattended on bed, sofa or changing table

   *Use straps on all infant furniture (car seats, carriers, high chairs, exercisers, etc.)

Illness:               

*Avoid ill contacts, encourage good hand washing

   *NO medications unless instructed by provider.

   

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

  • Smile and vocalize with vowel sounds

  • Focus on objects and follow things a little past midline

  • Lift head and chest off table when on tummy

  • Focuses on your face

  • Move arms and legs well and equally