Getting to Know Your Baby: Babys Second Month Guide

Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been a partof your home for more than four weeks now. The new dad andmum are now more relaxed, confident, and really enjoy theirnew responsibilities (at least most of the time). Here are afew pointers on what to expect in baby's second month.

Semblance of order

Baby is no longer attached to mom's breast all the time. Afeed every 2-3 hours usually keeps her satisfied.

Spitting of milk after a feed is normal. Make sure you burpyour baby after every feed.

Your two month-old baby most probably now sleeps 3-4 hoursbetween nighttime feedings. She has definite waking hoursduring the day, which means mom and dad too can work out aroutine.

She knows you!

In baby's second month, she focuses her eyes better, and canfollow an object in an arc about six to eight inches fromher face. She does not actually recognize your face, butdefinitely knows your touch, scent and voice. When you cooto her or talk in gentle soothing tones, she starts to makebabbling sounds in response.

She enjoys smiling faces, smiles in return, and has a wholerange of facial expressions.

I am a big(ger) girl now!

Baby has lost some of her early reflexes and has morecontrol over her movements now. When placed on her stomachshe can lift her head for brief periods. If your baby sucksher fists and fingers, let her enjoy the activity. It istoo early to picture your two month-old walking to schoolwith her thumb in her mouth.

Bath time can be playtime for your two-month old baby.Trimming baby's nails is best done after a bath (with tinyscissors/infant nail clippers).

To use or not to use

If you plan to introduce the bottle, baby's second month isthe perfect time. Breast may be best. But if you have milksupply issues or have to go back to work, bottle-feedingmight be necessary. A combination of both can work welltoo.

Whether to use a dummy or pacifier is a tough choice tomake. Make sure baby's nursing patterns are wellestablished before you do use one.

Hello Doctor

A regular well-baby check-up is scheduled in baby's secondmonth. Your doctor will allay any doubts you have anddiscuss safety issues like placing baby on her back tosleep, the need for an infant car seat and all the otherquestions you have.

Your baby will get oral polio drops and some shots thismonth, most probably a combination of the triple antigen,Influenza and Hepatitis B. These shots usually cause alittle fever, which can make some babies cranky. Yourdoctor will prescribe a fever medication for your baby.

Daddy's girl too!

Dads can involve themselves in every aspect of childcarethough they tend to do most things differently. Dad holdsbaby in his own way, perhaps a little too firmly, but sheloves it!

Baby's second month sees her turning from a cuteunresponsive newborn into a tiny interactive person. Watchyour little bundle of joy grow and learn a host of thingsalong the way.

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