Baby at 2 months

Baby's growth and development at 2 months

In the first months of life, a newborn baby comes into contact with life outside his or her mother's uterus, adapting to the new environment and beginning to interact with it. Let's take a look at baby's growth and development at two months, and how to stimulate your little one.

 Newborn growth at 2 months
There are no precise rules that apply to every newborn, but one thing is for certain - during the first two months of life, baby goes through a period of rapid growth. Remember that unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional, you don't need to weigh your baby on a daily basis; in fact, this may be counterproductive, as not all newborns have a consistent growth curve. If your little one is breastfed, he or she may need to be weighed once a week, but if baby is bottle-fed and everything is progressing smoothly, weighing should not be necessary - the scheduled visits and check-ups at your local health centre or with your paediatrician are sufficient. Generally speaking, a newborn of two months weighs around 5 to 6 kilograms.

Newborn sleep at two months
A two-month old baby should sleep for between 15 and 16 hours a day, with each individual stretch of sleep lasting between three and four hours. From the second or third month of life, night-time sleep stretches tend to increase to around 5-6 hours. Remember that every baby is different, and has his or her own rhythms. Gradually, as your little one begins to get into his or her own rhythm, it is important to start establishing a sleep routine, particularly before bedtime in the evening, with a relaxing activities that you repeat in the same order: don't forget that babies like consistency, and keeping a routine helps to relax and calm them.

Newborn development at 2 months
Every baby has his or her own schedule, and may hit certain milestones a bit earlier or a bit later than others. However, there are certain clear phases of development, and being aware of these means knowing what to expect, generally speaking, in a given period:
- Baby starts smiling in response to another person's smile.
- He or she reacts to loud noises.
- If placed tummy down during tummy time, baby will start lifting his or her head.
- Baby will begin to find different ways of communicating other than crying, for example by babbling.
- Your little one will begin to follow objects and lights with his or her gaze, and develop the ability to fix the eyes on something and focus.

How to stimulate baby at two months
At two months old, the baby is still very small and needs constant contact with mum, even though he or she will be slowly getting used being held by others who come to the house, including grandparents, aunts and uncles or close friends - in addition to daddy, of course!  It is important to provide the right stimulation:
- talk to your little one often: tell him or her what you are doing when you're together, whether doing a nappy change or preparing dinner;
- sing songs and read out loud;
- ensure baby spends as much time as possible in the same space as mum when he or she is awake.
- And then, weather permitting, it's good to get into the habit of going out with a baby carrier or pram, spending time in the fresh air and going for walks with little ones.

Suitable games for a baby of two months
At two months, baby is starting to interact with the world, and is taking an interest in noises, sounds and colours.  What toys are best to stimulate baby? Music boxes, sound panels and mobiles can soothe baby when falling asleep or waking up, and stimulate hearing and sight. You can also start stimulating the sense of touch by giving baby his or her first ring toy: The important thing is that they are suitable for baby and very light, so that your little one can easily hold on as soon as he or she is able to do so - it's even better if the toy makes a noise, to attract and engage baby.