Getting to Know Your Baby: Babys Second Month Guide

Time has flown. Your little bundle of joy has been a part of your home for more than four weeks now. The new dad and mum are now more relaxed, confident, and really enjoy their new responsibilities (at least most of the time). Here are a few 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. A feed every 2-3 hours usually keeps her satisfied.

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

Your two month-old baby most probably now sleeps 3-4 hours between nighttime feedings. She has definite waking hours during the day, which means mom and dad too can work out a routine.

She knows you!

In baby's second month, she focuses her eyes better, and can follow an object in an arc about six to eight inches from her face. She does not actually recognize your face, but definitely knows your touch, scent and voice. When you coo to her or talk in gentle soothing tones, she starts to make babbling sounds in response.

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

I am a big(ger) girl now!

Baby has lost some of her early reflexes and has more control over her movements now. When placed on her stomach she can lift her head for brief periods. If your baby sucks her fists and fingers, let her enjoy the activity. It is too early to picture your two month-old walking to school with 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 tiny scissors/infant nail clippers).

To use or not to use

If you plan to introduce the bottle, baby's second month is the perfect time. Breast may be best. But if you have milk supply issues or have to go back to work, bottle-feeding might be necessary. A combination of both can work well too.

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

Hello Doctor

A regular well-baby check-up is scheduled in baby's second month. Your doctor will allay any doubts you have and discuss safety issues like placing baby on her back to sleep, the need for an infant car seat and all the other questions you have.

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

Daddy's girl too!

Dads can involve themselves in every aspect of childcare though they tend to do most things differently. Dad holds baby in his own way, perhaps a little too firmly, but she loves it!

Baby's second month sees her turning from a cute unresponsive newborn into a tiny interactive person. Watch your little bundle of joy grow and learn a host of things along the way.

* About the author *

This article has been provided by ParentingSurvivalGuide.com. Please visit our web site at http://www.ParentingSurvivalGuide.com to discover more articles.

Copyright 2005 ParentingSurvivalGuide.com, all rights reserved.

This article may be freely republished for noncommercial use as long as the article, including the author information and this reprint policy statement, is republished in its entirety, unedited, and with all links working.

---

Baby Shower Party Decorations to Liven up Your Baby Shower

An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower... Read More

Using Baby Signing To Communicate With Your Young Child

Baby Signing..Around 20 years ago, two American doctors discovered baby... Read More

Baby Proof Your Home - Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of... Read More

How Often Should A One-Month Baby Go for Check Up?

What happen during the first month of your newborn, does... Read More

Creative Potty Training

When I was potty training my two young boys, I... Read More

What Does that New Baby Really Need?

What your baby needs and may not need.There are so... Read More

Choosing Baby Names for Twins

Choosing a baby name for your new born can be... Read More

Potty Training Boys - How To Potty Train Boys - Do You Teach Them to Sit or Stand?

I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More

Naming Ceremonies: Advice for First Time Godparents

Congratulations! It is a great honour your friends have done... Read More

Baby Sunglasses

It might appear to be sufficient to apply some high... Read More

Potty Training in One Day - Can You Really Potty Train in a Day? What Does It Mean?

Sounds great ? doesn't it?Or does it sound too good... Read More

Baby Gift Registry

A furniture gift registry helps us streamline to the best... Read More

Properly Care For Your Children

When it comes to your newborn or children's health, it... Read More

Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination... Read More

When Not To Begin Potty Training

Potty training can be a stressful experience for you and... Read More

A Surprise Baby Shower Can Be the Perfect Way to Celebrate

Throwing a surprise baby shower doesn't have to be difficult.... Read More

A Daddy Baby Shower - New Twist on the old Baby Shower

Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no... Read More

Selecting The Right Type of Stroller For Your Lifestyle

Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There... Read More

Choosing Baby Names

Take Your Time The worst thing you could do when... Read More

Sweep Away Colic Baby Crying with White Noise

It doesn't make sense does it? You do everything possible... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

Why Convertible Cribs Make Sense

Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of... Read More

Playing With Food Words: Teaching Mindfulness to Preschoolers

The most powerful way to instill a love for language... Read More

Jogging Strollers?How to Get Back in Shape!

Add a little extra push and a jogging stroller to... Read More

The Personality Traits Of An Aries Baby

Your Aries Baby..21 March - 19 April.A typical Aries has... Read More

The Making of a Mini-Model

Baby modeling isn't an exclusive art - nor is it... Read More

Beyond Flash Card : How To Do The Infant Visual Stimulation In Fun And Creative Ways

Babies learn about the environment surrounding them through five senses:... Read More

Baby Birthmarks

As many as one in three babies are born with... Read More

Every Baby Shower Needs Great Baby Shower Games!

Games for a baby shower help the baby shower hostess... Read More

The Reflux / Asthma Connection

Most babies and kids with reflux will have typical symptoms... Read More

Baby Monitor Technology - A Buyers Guide

What is a baby monitor & why do I need... Read More

First Birthday Party: Game and Activities for Little Guests

Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More

Baby Shower Hostess Etiquette

Does baby shower hostess etiquette allow for gift suggestions, if... Read More