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.

---

How Much Water For Baby?

While drinking more water is a good idea for everyone,... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you... Read More

Triumphing Over Tantrums

Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of... Read More

Jogging Strollers?How to Get Back in Shape!

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

Wooden High Chairs Offer Simplicity, Beauty, and Practicality for Todays Busy Families

Wooden high chairs with their looks and functionality make a... Read More

Front Packs vs. Baby Back Packs

For ages caring parents have carried their babies with them... Read More

Language Development In Your Baby

From birth to one year your baby will go from... Read More

Most Important Decision of a Lifetime - What to Name Your Baby

Most people don't know the meaning of their name, but... Read More

The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby

Your Libra Baby..September 23 - October 22Libras can be really... Read More

Baby Massage: A Cure for Colic

Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will... Read More

Six Ways to Save on Your Baby Shower

It's time to celebrate the baby! As Keepsake Favors' resident... Read More

How to Buy a Baby Crib Online

A baby crib is one of the most expensive things... Read More

Traveling With Babies

If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both... Read More

How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs of Your Baby

There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More

Real Nappies (Cotton Nappies) or Disposables - The Debate

I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding... Read More

Baby Products ? Essential Baby Products, Which Ones Do I Really Need?

There are many essential baby products a new parent must... Read More

How To Clone The Perfect Baby

How To Clone The Perfect BabySheep, Cows, pigs, mice, donkeys,... Read More

Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs

Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More

Creating Good Feng Shui in Babys Room

Getting ready for a new baby requires a lot of... Read More

Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby... Read More

Babies Born With A Cleft Palate Or Lip

As many as one in 700 babies are born with... Read More

Aargh those Pesky Sleep Problems!

It's 2am and your baby is up for the third... Read More

Liven Up Your Baby Shower With A Few Games

You have a baby shower planned for a friend; you... Read More

Baby Cold Symptoms and How to Treat Them

Remember how miserable you felt when you last had a... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower? These Tips Make It Stress Free

One of the most pleasant parties to plan has to... Read More

Baby Shower Gift for Dads

Gift for Dads: The mom is always on the limelight... Read More

Infant Car Seats

Finding the best car seats for your child: To escape... Read More

Babies Bring Love, Joy, and Opinions

The old saying "babies aren't born with instruction manuals" has... Read More

Unique Baby Bedding - Because Every Baby is Special

All parents want something absolutely unique for their baby. Be... Read More

Brainy Babies: Is it Genes, Diet, or Playing the Right Baby Games that Tip the Scales?

As parents we all want the very best for our... Read More

Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

The crib is where your baby will spend a lot... Read More

Basic Guide To Choosing Toys For Babies

A baby's only activities until the age of two months... Read More

Better Health and Happiness for Your Baby

The design of your home has an amazing affect on... Read More