Baby Milestones – The 2nd Month

Your two-month-old is growing quickly and may reach some important baby milestones, like sleeping for longer stretches at a time, getting on a more regular feeding schedule, and, most exciting of all, smiling. Babies of this age are quite gregarious and like interacting with other people. Here are some of how your infant will be developing, learning, and changing throughout this enchanting period.

Important Development Milestones For 2 Months Old Babies

When your baby is 2 months old, he or she may become more interested in the outside world and cry less often. Your infant is not yet mature enough to follow a predetermined routine. On the other hand, they might have developed a routine of more regular feeding and sleeping by this point. Look out for these important milestones for two-month-old babies:

During the second month, the baby’s visual coordination strengthens. Your baby’s eye movements will become more intentional and focused this month. For example, your infant may be able to follow a moving item in front of them¹
As early as the second month of life, your baby will start to show interest in other people. Additionally, when you speak to your child, they will turn their gaze towards you since they recognize you. Some may even resort to sucking on their own hand as a means of self-soothing²
When they are picked up or talked to, they become more at ease. When you go up to them, they act as if they are delighted to see you³
By the second month, you should expect to see your baby’s first social smile⁴

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Development Milestones For 2 Months Baby

Two-month-old babies are gaining more control over their bodies. Listed below are common developmental milestones for 2-month-old babies⁵

Your infant is developing into a better listener and can now recognize familiar voices among a variety of other noises
Babies of two months can focus on an item or person up to 18 inches away. Although you’ll still need to come near, the baby will have a good view of your face
Exhibits sentiments by crying or smiling
Moves their limbs with greater ease
Your two-month-old lacks the motor skills necessary to engage in toy play. On the other hand, she/he may start trying to reach anything bright and shiny⁶
You may even try to get your infant to grasp a toy with one hand for a few seconds
They start bringing their hands up to their lips

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Feeding Milestones

At the age of 2 months, your infant will still be feeding constantly throughout the day⁷

The two-month-old will be able to suckle and swallow without any difficulty
The average feeding schedule for a breastfed infant is every 3–4 hours
Every three to four hours, a 2-month-old on formula will consume about 4 to 5 ounces of formula
Babies tend to suck by moving their tongues back and forth
Baby will easily latch onto his or her mother’s nipple or a bottle
If the baby is sleeping, they may be able to go longer stretches between feedings
Around six weeks, infants typically experience a growth spurt⁸. A growth spurt is a period of rapid, dramatic growth that occurs over a relatively brief time frame
Due to their increased appetite, this may make them fussier. It may seem like you’re constantly feeding, especially at certain times

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Sleep Milestones

Two months is still early in the development of your baby’s regular sleep schedule. Babies typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day at this age⁹. However,

Your infant may begin to develop a more consistent wake-sleep schedule. This means they may have regular nap times and be awake for about an hour or two in between the naps
Typically, a two-month-old will take two naps in the morning, two in the afternoon, and one in the evening, and have brief bouts of sleep at night

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Speech Milestones

Crying is the primary means of expression for a 2-month-old. Babies don’t start saying words for another month or so, but by the end of the second month, you may hear some cooing¹⁰. It’s a sign that your infant is learning to communicate with you. Also,

Your infant or toddler might start copying your facial expressions
It does not only cry but also makes other sounds

Physical Milestones

The baby will have put on some weight by the end of the second month because of the rapid rate of growth that occurs during this time¹¹. Also,

Control over the head and the neck is improved. They still need head and neck support, but they’re getting stronger
Coordination of movement is a skill that babies begin to develop around the 2-month mark
Their jerky arm and leg movements from birth have been replaced by more fluid motions
More tummy time means better muscle control for your baby
They appear taller and leaner as their muscles are developing and allow their arms and legs more range of motion
Your infant will begin to explore their hands and fingers around the 2-month mark
They reach out with open palms, ready to grab something (even though they don’t know how to release their grip just yet). They could also make a fist or clasp their hands together
They will vigorously kick with both legs
When lying on the stomach, raises the head and begins to push up with the arms
When overstimulated, exhibits yawning and an arched back posture

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How To Keep A 2 Month Old Baby Busy

2-month baby activities are a wonderful way to make your little one active and promote overall development. Playing with your baby is a good way to get closer to them and strengthen your relationship with them. This list will help you figure out things to do with a two-month-old baby outside and indoors.

Toss a toy in front of the infant. Move it from one side to the other so the child can see it with her eyes. It helps with the visualization and visual tracking
Talk to your child. Use a variety of facial expressions while talking to your infant. See to it that she understands your message. Maintain regular eye contact and frequent use of their name. The baby should realize that you are communicating with them
Sing a lullaby. This is one of the things to do with a two-month-old inside and outside. According to UNICEF’s experts, music promotes healthy brain growth and helps babies unwind before bed¹²
Tummy time not only entertains the baby, but it also helps them grow muscles, improve neck strength, and expel gases, therefore preventing colic
Take your baby outside. Show her birds, trees, buildings, sky, flowers, automobiles, or anything. Point out items as you stroll your baby, This could contribute to cognitive development

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When To See A Doctor

Even though the development of each child is unique, you should make an appointment with your pediatrician if you notice any of the following in your 2-month-old¹³

Having trouble latching on while breast- or bottle-feeding
During feedings, a lot of milk runs out of the side of his mouth
The 8-week mark passes without a smile
Doesn’t bring his hands to his mouth
Has no reaction to loud sounds
Not capable of following moving targets
Cannot keep his head up when lying on his stomach
Picking them up to comfort them has no calming effect on them
There appears to be a physical imbalance on one side of their body

Conclusion

New parents experience a roller coaster of emotions during their child’s first few months. Don’t be reluctant to seek guidance when you’re stuck. Your pediatrician is your first and best resource, but friends and family can fill in the gaps.

There is a wide range of possible developmental milestones for a child at two months of age. At this age, failure to reach a developmental milestone is not indicative of a problem. However, if you’re worried that your baby might be showing signs of developmental delay, make sure to bring those concerns up during well-child visits.