Two Months Old Baby Milestones

The second month of your baby's life has passed, and you'll notice that they've acquired more significant skills than in their first 30 days. This marks the beginning of discussing some 2 month old baby's developmental milestones.

2 months old baby developmental milestones

The initial neonatal phase, which encompasses the first 28 days after birth, has concluded. Now your little one is proudly referred to as a baby, and this phase continues until they reach their first year. It's crucial for parents to keep an eye on their 2 month old baby's developmental milestones, all while bearing in mind that each baby is unique. If your baby doesn't precisely meet every norm, there's no need to panic; instead, consult with a pediatrician.

Physical development

Let's delve into the crucial physical indicators that signal the normal progression of a 2 month old baby's developmental milestones mark.

A child's height, weight, and head circumference can be measured during pediatrician visits or even at home using a dedicated children's scale and a ruler (tape).

Growth:

Gender	Lower bound	Norm	Upper bound
Boys	22,2	23	23,8
Girls	21,65	22,5	23,3

The weight: 

Gender	Lower bound	Norm	Upper bound
Boys	10,8	12,35	13,9
Girls	9,9	11,24	12,8

Head circumference should be between 14.6 and 15 inches, while chest circumference should fall in the range of 14.6 to 15 inches.

Successful progression through the two-month-old baby milestones involves the following skills:

1. Effective breastfeeding without harming the mother's nipples or swallowing air during sucking.

2. Following an individual sleep and wake schedule, which parents can adapt to more easily.

3. Increasing confidence in lifting the head and chest while lying on the tummy.

4. Making swimming-like motions with limbs while lying on their back, waving their arms and legs to the sides as if floating.

5. Holding their head upright for a few seconds while in the arms of adults.

6. Lying relaxed with arms and legs stretched out or spread apart.

7. Spontaneously moving limbs during sleep, which can sometimes appear quite vigorous and might concern parents, but it's a sign of the baby's brain preparing for intentional movements.

8. Initiating the first complex hand movements, waving towards objects that capture their interest and attempting to grasp them.

9. Rubbing their nose and eyes with their hands, as well as exploring clenched fists and fingers.

10. Purposefully smiling in response to affectionate speech.

Social development

For a two-month-old baby, crying still serves as the primary means of communication. However, at this age, you might also hear a few endearing "gurgles" and "grunts."

The transformation is rapid, and babies tend to communicate more actively during this period. They often coo and respond with smiles when someone engages with them.

As they progress through 2 months old baby developmental milestones, infants exhibit a crucial aspect of social interaction: they become more focused and can stare at a person's face for an extended duration, singling it out from other objects. They're eager to study faces, although their vision is not yet perfect, and if someone is too far away, they perceive a vague oval shape.

Also: Autonomy Versus Shame and Doubt: What Is a Developmental Crisis

Tips for parents

The sleep-wake schedule is now more regular, with the baby awake for roughly six hours a day. The primary trigger for their wakefulness is hunger, so your daily routine will revolve around feeding.

In this regard, mothers have two options:

1. Establish a feeding schedule that is convenient for them and acceptable for the baby.

2. Allow the baby to determine when they need to eat, which is commonly referred to as feeding on demand.

Both approaches have their proponents and opponents.

A set schedule may initially be challenging, as a hungry baby can cry intensely, making parents feel guilty. However, after a few days, the baby will adapt to the new routine, and things will get smoother.

Feeding on demand can be more flexible for the mother but makes it harder to plan her own schedule. It's challenging to predict how long the baby will nurse, how often they'll need to eat, and when they'll wake up to demand food. This means that any outings, whether to the park or the store, can be challenging, particularly without assistance. Finding a secluded spot, covering yourself with a blanket, and feeding the baby becomes necessary.

In any case, the choice of feeding method does not significantly impact the normal progression of a 2 month old infant’s milestones. Both methods are physiologically sound, though the World Health Organization (WHO) still recommends breastfeeding on demand.

However, a baby's interests are only part of the equation. Their sleep, wakefulness, and nutrition are equally important aspects. Here are some tips for organizing your daily routine:

1. Be fully engaged with your baby during their waking hours. Sing songs, engage in developmental exercises, read poetry, or give them a gentle massage.

2. Treat your baby's sleep time as precious. Don't assume that you need to tackle every task while they're asleep. Take the opportunity to rest with your baby.

3. Daily walks are beneficial, but they are not compulsory when the weather is unfavorable. Don't push yourself to venture out in extreme conditions. It's perfectly fine to stay indoors for a day or two until the weather improves.

4. In cases of adverse weather, consider a "balcony walk." There's little difference between letting your baby nap on the balcony with an open window and taking them outside. Fresh air is accessible in both scenarios, and it's more convenient for parents.

5. Share childcare responsibilities and seek help when needed. Even if the father is at work throughout the day, he can still spend quality time with the baby in the evening — playing, bathing, or rocking them to sleep. This allows the mother to tend to household tasks or simply relax.

By the end of the two-month-old baby milestones, your baby will still sleep a lot, affording both you and your partner some much-needed rest. However, the quality of their wakefulness will have improved noticeably. It's a time when you can interact more with your baby, sharing smiles and coos. Make the most of this period and savor these precious moments!