Reviewed by: Dr. Travis Satnarine BSc. MBBS.

Month two is sometimes tougher than month one, as Colic peaks during this month. As parents continue to adjust, this month will be a challenge, but there will also be milestones to celebrate.

Baby’s growth and development

As your baby continues to develop, the movements of your baby’s arms/legs will be less jerky, and his neck will be getting stronger daily, even holding his head up for short periods of time while on his stomach. Your baby will begin to follow things with his eyes and will recognize familiar faces, sometimes even smiling and cooing at them. Baby’s head becomes less pointy, and those wrinkles have disappeared. The Baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off and you can see that cute bellybutton.

Milestones

Sees black and white patterns

Follows objects briefly

Holds head up for short periods of time

• Milestones are just a guide; babies do different things are different times. If you have concerns talk about them at the next visit with your pediatrician.

Interesting things about this month

Colic, there is no real scientific reasons behind colic, it is diagnosed by following three rules. If your baby cries about 3 hours per day around the same time, at least 3 times per week, for a period of three weeks.

Health Care

Your baby has his scheduled two-month check-up and vaccines. Each visit you will be asked if there are questions or any concerns about your baby’s development, it’s a good idea to list your concerns before, so you can get answers to all of your questions. During this visit your baby will be weighed and measured by the doctor who will ask about your baby’s bowel movements, feeding and sleeping patterns, he will listen to your baby’s chest, heart, lungs, have a look into his eyes, nose and mouth, and finally examine baby’s groin and genital area.

Ask your doctor about remedies for Colic.

Month two means your baby’s first vaccines are due. The following will be administered to you baby:

Vaccines: DPT, Hep B, HIB, Pneumococcal, IPV (Baby is immunized for three strains of Polio)

• DPT – Diptheira, Pertussis and Tetanus
• Heb B – Hepatitis B
• HIB – Haemophilus Influenzae type B

Advice for Moms & New Parents

• Babies tend to work well with routine, especially when fussy or sleepy. It may be worthwhile to develop a routine like a bath time with a bath wash or soap only used for bedtime, soothing music, swaddling and even singing.
• Some babies are irritable after vaccinations, they may have pain in the area, fever, or even get a little rash. These reactions will go away, but as a parent, you want to make sure you do all that you can to comfort your baby. The doctor may recommend some pain medication, and tips for caring for your baby and the injection site.
• Sleep is a luxury, and it won’t change for some time to come, especially for breastfeeding mothers. The routine will help you for a while (but be prepared, your baby changes routines often). Take your rest when you can, use your vitamins and eat well. If you can get some exercise in there, you will feel great.
• Colic is one of the most difficult periods for parents, you will feel frustrated and helpless but it will be over soon.
• Engage your baby, this is a good time to sing, read to your baby, and even play a game of peek-a-boo. To help your baby’s development you can start placing a toy near him during his tummy time. Baby should be curious, following objects, responding to noises, if he isn’t doing these things just be sure to raise it with your doctor.

Reminders for this month:

• Take Baby to two-month-old check-up and schedule baby’s next visit, which should be his four-month check-up and vaccines
• Ask your doctor if you should use supplements (especially if you are breastfeeding).
• Take Baby’s two-month-old photo and update that record book
• Ensure that he gets enough tummy time in to help strengthen your baby.