What should you pay attention to when your baby reaches the 2-month mark?

In just the first 2 months, your baby has changed in so many ways. It also brings a lot of interesting things such as the first smile or recognizing the mother's voice… It is important that the baby has come out of the newborn stage. An important milestone in the first months of life. Here's all the important information and tips you need to know for your baby during the second month.

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1. General characteristics in 2-month-old children

1.1. Rapid growth in weight and length

At 2 months old, your baby may look completely different from when he was born. Thanks to the rapid growth, your baby looks plumper. May not look like a petite newborn anymore. Chances are, you've already packed away the clothes your baby wears from the first few days of life. Because of the significant change in weight at this stage. In addition, you will see new reflexes emerge that children learn from their parents every day. On average, when a baby is 2 months old:

  • Increase about 900 grams to 2000 grams since birth.
  • The length will increase by more than 3 to 5 cm.
  • Increase head circumference by about 4 cm.

The numbers above are for reference only as babies can develop more than that. Your baby may grow more in a month or two. After that, growth may slow down, but this is completely normal.

Life with a 2-month-old baby can be different depending on the personality of each child. Some common signs are that a baby may still be fussy at night, want more time in bed to look around, or want to be in a crib. All young children, even at this seemingly ignorant age, are different in their needs and expressions.

Refer to the article: Malnutrition in children: What should parents do?

1.2. Sleep

You've made it through the toughest weeks of parenting. Because most babies start sleeping through the night around 12 weeks old. Therefore, the mother's suffering of staying up at night to breastfeed her baby will be somewhat reduced. Babies can sleep about 16 hours/day. Have 3 to 4 naps during the day. However, some children may sleep more during the day or take longer naps.

You can continue to give your baby a pacifier while they sleep. The use of pacifiers is associated with a reduction in sudden infant death rates (SIDS). So it's part of the American Academy of Pediatrics' safe sleep recommendations.

By 2 months of age, most babies still haven't slept through the night. That won't happen until the baby is almost 3 months old. At this stage, most babies are still awake once or twice a night. Mostly because babies have a need to suckle.

One point to keep in mind is that formula- fed babies may have slightly different feedings than breastfed babies. Because formula-fed babies can sleep longer at night and during the day. Or lengthen the feeding time.

What should you pay attention to when your baby reaches the 2-month mark?

2. Development milestones

2.1. About the body

  • Posterior fontanelle closed:

This is a slightly concave, soft-touch spot on top of your baby's head that you may not notice. It closes when the baby is 2 months old. This means that the bones will stick together to close the cavity. However, in some cases, it may remain open until the baby is 3 months old.

  • Gain more weight:

Your baby may start to look chubby and chubby. Babies at this stage tend to gain weight steadily. Because they haven't started moving much and their muscles are just starting to develop.

  • Move more:

In addition to being able to practice raising their heads, babies are also starting to make more rhythmic movements with their arms and legs. So, you will notice the reflex movements gradually become more purposeful.

2.2. About the brain

Facial recognition: By the age of 2 months, your baby will be able to recognize the faces of parents or regular caregivers. A common expression is to smile or follow when hearing someone's voice.

Whispering, chirping voices: Your baby has begun to learn to talk. By hearing the voices around, your infant will show an effort to "converse" with you.

2.3. When to take your child to the doctor?

If you're a first-time parent, it can be exciting to keep a close eye on your baby's developmental milestones. But you also need to be aware that milestones can be different for each baby. Just because your baby hasn't hit a certain milestone doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. But if you have concerns or notice any of the following, talk to your doctor.

  • Breastfeeding with or without weight gain: By 2 months of age, your baby may have gone through a growth spurt. But you can hardly judge for yourself. Your baby's growth chart at the doctor's office can help you with this information.
  • No facial recognition marks: The baby's favorite thing at 2 months old is the face of the parent. Your child should show signs of excitement, such as kicking his feet or eyes that "light up" when he looks at you.
  • Do not follow or look for the movement of the toy sound or your finger as you move it back and forth in front of your child.
  • Unable to lift your head  when you are holding your baby to your chest or on your shoulder.

What should you pay attention to when your baby reaches the 2-month mark?

3. Basic knowledge of child care

At 2 months old, you will probably encounter some health problems when your baby enters this stage. Of course, for children with complex medical conditions or special care needs, you will spend more care. In particular, the child should be monitored at a medical facility. For general matters, here are a few points to keep in mind:

3.1. Sneeze

At this point, your baby begins to sneeze a lot. Your child's small airways can be extremely sensitive to airborne irritants. So try to pay attention to common pathogens. Examples include pet hair or cigarette smoke. You need to remove them from your baby's habitat. Alternatively, you can also try using a cool mist humidifier in your baby's room. The purpose is to help the baby more comfortable when the weather is too hot and dry. If you have a stuffy nose, you can use physiological saline drops to clear the irritants.

3.2.Thrush

If you see white patches on the inside of your baby's cheeks and tongue that can't be wiped off easily, it could be a sign of thrush. This is a very mild yeast infection. Common in infants. When you have this symptom, you should take your child to the doctor so that the doctor can prescribe oral medicine for the child. Your baby may develop thrush while breastfeeding or if they are taking antibiotics for a long time. You can read more at the article " White tongue: Oral problems to note ".

3.3. Acne 

Your newborn may have acne, rashes, and flaky skin. Usually goes away on its own without treatment. In addition, your child is also prone to dry skin. Therefore, use mild soaps and moisturizers that are safe for babies. Clean these areas 1 or 2 2 days a day. If your baby is salivating and has a rash on nearby skin, putting on a bib can help prevent saliva from coming into contact with your baby's skin.

3.4. Reflux

Many babies spit up milk after eating because they are too full. Or because the valve structure that closes the upper end of the stomach is immature. This is usually not much of a concern. As long as your child is gaining weight steadily and the condition doesn't cause him to cough or choke.

To help prevent reflux, try giving your child smaller amounts. Divide into several feedings. Frequent burping after feeding. Avoid putting pressure on the abdomen such as lying on the stomach. Or limit vigorous activity after eating. This condition will improve with age. Most do not need special treatment. But if spitting or spitting up seems to be getting worse or making your baby uncomfortable, seek medical help. Read more information in the article “ Is gastroesophageal reflux in children dangerous? "n hehe

3.5. Blocked tear ducts (blockage of the tear ducts)

Many babies have frequent watery eyes, often because of a blocked tear duct. This is not a cause for concern unless the eye is infected. If you notice your child's eyes are red, swollen, or have a yellow discharge, let your pediatrician know. Because antibiotic eye drops may be needed. Blocked tear ducts usually clear up on their own before your baby is 12 months old.

3.6. Diaper rash

Diaper rash is very common in babies under 6 months of age. Most go away after 3-4 days with a moisturizing cream. Diaper rash can be prevented by changing diapers frequently. Limit diaper wear as little as possible. You can also apply diaper rash cream as a precaution in hot weather.

3.7. Upper respiratory tract infection

If your child has a cough or a runny nose, it can be difficult for you to know what to do for them. Because at this age, over-the-counter medications are not safe for your child. To put your child at ease, the best treatment is saline nasal drops. A nasal aspirator will keep your baby's nose clear. Because the baby does not know how to breathe through the mouth, if the nose is blocked, the baby will not be able to suckle. Take your child to the hospital right away if your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, or does not improve after 1 week.

3.8. Health check 

Your baby should have a 2-month-old general health check. This visit will include all the usual checks. Including weight, length, head circumference, developmental milestones. In addition, this will also be your child's first round of vaccinations.

According to the expanded immunization schedule of the national health program, your child needs to be vaccinated with DTaP (Diphtheria - Pertussis - Tetanus), Hib, pneumococcal, polio and rotavirus vaccines. In addition, your child will also receive a second hepatitis B booster shot at this visit.

What should you pay attention to when your baby reaches the 2-month mark?

By month 2, your baby has discovered that there is more to it than just eating, sleeping and crying. When your baby is awake longer, there will be more time to play with you as he is gradually getting used to his surroundings.

Dr. Huynh Nguyen Uyen Tam