Month 2
Your baby is not a sleepy newborn anymore. They are starting to recognize you and gaining more control over their body. Be ready for the first smiles and other exciting milestones with your 2 month old baby.
By month two the stream of visiting well-wishers will have slowed and you should be settling into life with your little one. You’ll see a big difference in the development of a 2 month old baby, compared to that tiny newborn you brought home from the hospital, but keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace. Your 2 month old baby may reach developmental milestones earlier or later than average. If you do have any concerns, your doctor can advise you.
Let’s look at what you can expect across the key areas of baby development 2 months into your parenting journey.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Your baby will be growing at a rapid rate during month two, and can be expected to grow by 2.5cm – 4cm and gain around 900g in weight. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the average 2 month old baby weight is between 5kg and 5.6kg.
At around the six weeks mark, many parents report a growth spurt where baby feeds for longer and more frequently, and puts on more weight than usual. Your baby’s developing alertness might also mean that they seem fussier and unsettled.
If your baby was born with hair, don’t be concerned to see it becoming patchy and falling out. This happens because baby is no longer sharing your hormones so their hair entered a ‘resting state’ after birth. When baby’s hair enters a new growth cycle, the old hair is pushed out to make way for the new.
By month two, baby’s neck muscles should be stronger. You might notice him lifting his head when lying on his back, and raising it to about a 45 degree angle while lying on his tummy. ‘Tummy time’ is still important for developing these muscles further.
Parents will be relieved to find baby sleeping for longer periods at night, and spending more time awake during the day. This can be a good time to start a bedtime routine, to help signal night-time for your baby.
Another important reminder to consider as your baby approaches the two month mark is immunizations. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider to plan an immunization schedule to ensure your baby gets the protection he needs.
MOTOR DEVELOPMENT
A two month old baby’s natural sucking reflex is still strong, and you might find that they’re quickly calmed by sucking on a dummy or their own fingers. The British Dental Health Foundation and the UK National Health Service (NHS) advises against using dummies for babies over the age of 12 months, so weigh up the pros and cons before giving your baby a dummy to soothe them.
Baby’s movements will now be smoother and they might ‘bicycle’ with their feet when excited. One activity that your baby is sure to enjoy, even when tiny, is heading outdoors with you and other children – so try to get out for walks in the fresh air when you can.
MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
Although a two month old baby will still cry to communicate their needs, you should also notice them trying out other sounds such as gurgling and cooing. You can encourage your baby’s language skills by continuing to talk and sing to them – they will be extra responsive to the sounds a parent is making.
Your baby might also show an interest in simple toys and picture books, especially ones that are black and white, have bold colors or contrasting patterns. A brightly colored activity mat/baby gym with hanging toys is a popular choice for parents to buy at this stage.
SENSORY DEVELOPMENT
Baby’s vision is still developing and it’s normal for their eyes to appear to wander. If you are concerned however, seek the advice of a healthcare professional. By two months old, most babies will be able to follow an object across their field of vision and are likely to find their own hands fascinating.
A two month old baby might also recognise the faces and voices of those closest to him – usually mum and dad. You might also find him starting to recognise some familiar objects.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
By the end of your baby’s second month, it’s likely that you’ll have a little smiler on your hands. Some babies might even reward simple games and funny interactions with their first laugh – which is where any big brothers or sisters can come in!
Encouraging older children to engage with their new sibling will help them to bond during what can be a tricky time. You could also try to involve brothers and sisters in the care you’re giving to baby. For example, if you’re about to feed, ask if they’d like to sit with you for a story.
Learn about how to get your baby to start breastfeeding >>
Your baby will now be more active, alert and engaged with the world around them, but having quiet cuddles and skin-on-skin contact is still important to keep building that special bond between you – and the rest of the family!