Mercy Network
Mercy Family Clinic
Pediatric and Adolescent
Two Months
Development and Behavior
Expect increased:
- Smiling
- Vocalization
- Head control
- Reaching
Wetting and Stooling
You can expect to see 4-6 wet diapers per day. The number of stools varies with the type of feeding. Initially babies may have a stool with each feeding. However, as your baby gets older she may have fewer stools. Four to 10 stools is common for breastfed babies. On the other hand they may have one stool per week. This can be normal if the baby is having the usual soft stool seen in breastfed infants, gaining weight, and having wet diapers. Formula fed babies should have a stool at least every other day.
Sleep Patterns
- Sixteen hours or more of sleep per day is normal. Often this occurs 15 minutes at a time
- It is common for your baby to awaken during the night
- During the day put the infant into the crib while awake, in order for her to develop the ability to fall asleep by herself. .
Nutrition
Breastfed babies
Continue
breast feeding the entire first year if possible.
Option-manually
express milk if you are going back to work and can not otherwise
continue breast feeding.
Vitamin
D supplementation (400 IU per day)
Formula fed
Use
an iron containing formula the entire first year.
Hold
the baby in a semisitting position to feed her.
Do
not use a microwave oven to heat formula.
Solids
Delay
introduction of solid foods until 4-6 months of age.
Do
not put cereal in a bottle.
Feeding precautions
Do
not give honey or Karo syrup until 12 months of age.
Do
not put the baby to bed with a bottle propped in her mouth.
Social and Family Relationships
- Nurture the baby by holding, cuddling, and rocking her, and by talking and singing to her. Read to the baby. Play music.
- Stimulate your baby with age-appropriate toys.
- Each parent should spend time individually with each child daily. Encourage your partner to participate in the care of the baby.
- Take some time for yourself, your partner, family, and friends.
- Let the doctor know if you have signs of depression such as sad mood, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. A mental health referral can be made for you.
- Discuss family planning with your partner. It is important to have adequate spacing between pregnancies.
Injury and Ilness prevention
- Use a properly secured infant car seat.
- Sleep on the back.
- Do not leave unattended on a bed or table, in a tub of water, or with pets.
- Keep the baby’s environment smoke free.
- Do not drink hot liquids or smoke while holding the baby.
- Use sunscreen if the infant will be exposed to sunlight. Your baby’s skin is very sensitive. Even reflected light can burn.
- Review the accompanying information on appropriate use of the emergency medical system.
- Immunize against childhood illnesses