Your Two-Month Old Baby
Feeding:
- Breast-feed your baby on about every 3 hours (8 feedings per
day). Feed until your baby seems content. Your baby may “cluster”
the feedings in the evening to prepare for a longer stretch of
nighttime sleep. Continue prenatal vitamins while breast-feeding.
- If you do not breast-feed, use an iron-fortified infant formula.
Feed your baby 4-5 ounces every 3-4 hours for a total of 26-28
ounces per day. By 4 months, many babies eat up to 32 ounces per
day.
- Review the formula preparation instructions carefully. Do not
heat formula in the microwave.
- Babies do not need supplemental water.
- Do not give honey or corn syrup in the first year of life.
- Cereal or other solid foods are not recommended until 6 months
of age. Cereal will not help a baby sleep.
- Exclusively breast-fed babies need a vitamin supplement like
Tri-Vi-Sol™.
Elimination:
- Breast-fed babies have yellow stools with a pasty, watery, or
curd-like consistency. The frequency varies widely – a few
per day to a few per week is normal.
- Bottle-fed babies usually have soft brown, green or yellow
stools.
Sleep:
- Always place your baby on his back to sleep on a firm, flat
mattress.
- The average baby sleeps 15.5 hours per day between 1 and 4
months of age. It is normal for your baby to sleep more on some
days and less on other days.
- Your baby is too young to cry himself to sleep.
- By 4 months of age, most babies have longer stretches of sleep
at night and 3 daytime naps.
Development: (2 to 4 months):
- Raises body when lying on tummy, holds head up, may bear weight
on legs
- Smile, coos, laughs, may blow bubbles, cries change according
to needs
- Visually follows an object, responds to sound and voices by
quieting or cooing
- Swats, reaches, grabs, may hold a rattle
Safety:
- Always use a carseat made for an infant and place it rear-facing
in the back seat.
- Always make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe place. The
crib slats should be less than 2- 3/8 in. apart.
- Take an infant CPR class.
- Set your hot water heater to120°F to prevent burns and
never drink hot liquids while holding your baby.
- Never leave your baby unattended on the bed, sofa, changing
table, or in the bathtub.
- Do not use a walker!
- Inspect toys for safety.
Safe Toys:
- Choose toys that are made for your baby’s age.
- Check for small or loose parts, like eyes, noses, and ribbons
(cut them off).
- Cut off any strings or cords.
- All toys and pieces should be larger than 1-5/8 inches.
- No sharp or pointed edges.
- Avoid old painted toys that may contain lead.
- Do not string any toys across the crib.
Other Things to Keep in Mind:
- Know the signs of illness – temperature over 100.4 rectal,
vomiting (not just spit-up), diarrhea, or failure to eat several
feedings in a row.
- Watch your pets carefully around your baby.
- Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Protect from sun exposure with clothing, blankets, or an umbrella.
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) may be used if clothing & shade
are unavailable.
- Show your baby affection – you can not spoil a young
baby.
- Shaking or spanking your baby may cause serious injury or death.
- Do not smoke around your baby – it may lead to respiratory
problems.
- Hold, talk and sing to your baby.
Tests/Immunizations for Today:
- Your baby will receive the DTaP, HIB, Polio, and Prevnar vaccines.
Please review the information sheets.
At the 4 month check-up:
- Your baby will have a physical examination.
- Your questions and concerns will be answered.
- Your baby will receive the DTaP, HIB, Polio, and Prevnar vaccines.
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