What to Expect: The Second Month

At two months, your baby is beginning to adjust to the world, and your role as a caregiver continues to evolve. This guide provides practical advice on caring for your baby, focusing on feeding, play, sleep routines, and safety to ensure a nurturing environment. Establishing these routines and practices early on will support your baby's development and help you navigate this new stage with confidence.

FAMILY CHECK-IN

It’s essential to care for yourself, stay connected with loved ones, and consider safe childcare options if needed.

• Take care of YOU. Your baby needs you to be rested and well. Set aside time each day to tend to your needs.

• If you feel exhausted or are sad for more than a few days, talk to your healthcare provider or someone you trust for help.

• If you have other children, find small, safe ways for them to help out with the baby.

• Keep in touch with family and friends.

• If you need childcare for your baby, look for safe, loving options. Know that it is okay to feel sad about leaving your baby with someone new. 

FEEDING

Continue feeding your baby breastmilk or formula on demand. Recognize signs of hunger and fullness to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition.

• Feed your baby breastmilk or iron-fortified formula.

• Avoid giving solid foods, juice or water until 4 to 6 months old.

• Position your baby so that you can see each other during feeding

• Help your baby wake for feedings by patting them, changing diaper, and undressing

• Feed your baby on demand when they are hungry. Stop feeding them when they show signs of being full.

Signs your baby is hungry:

• Bringing hand to mouth

• Rooting

• Sucking or sucking on hand

• Fussiness

• Crying

Signs your baby is full:

• Turns away

• Closes their mouth

• Relaxes hands and arms

• Your baby is getting enough to eat if they:

• Are gaining weight properly

• Have 5+ wet diapers per day

• Have 3+ soft stools per day

• Burp your baby during breaks in feeding

• Formula Feeding Babies:

• Prepare and store formula safely. Mix according to package directions. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if you need help.

• Feed your baby on demand. Expect them to eat about 6 to 8 times per day or 26 to 28 ounces of formula per day. More if they are still hungry.

• Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400 IU) until they are consuming at least 32 ounces of formula, which may be after the first few months, but every baby is different. 

• Hold the bottle for your baby. Never prop a bottle.

• Breastfeeding Babies:

• Feed on demand. Expect 8 to 12 feedings per 24 hour period. 

• Nursing parents should continue to take a daily prenatal vitamin with iron and eat a healthy diet.

• Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400IU)

• If using a bottle, do not prop the bottle. Always hold it for your baby.

• If you need to pump and store breast milk, be sure to store your milk properly, so it stays safe for your baby.

PLAYING

Encourage interaction with your baby through talking, reading, and supervised tummy time to support their development.

• Begin to develop simple routines for eating, bedtime, bathing, etc...

• Hold, read to, talk to, sing to, play, and cuddle with your baby often.

• While your baby is awake, put them on the tummy to play. Tummy time should only be a few minutes at a time and always supervised. 

• Calm your baby by rocking, talking, swaddling, and patting. Consider giving your baby a pacifier.

• Observe your baby’s likes and dislikes.

• TVs and digital media should not be used to calm or entertain your baby.

• Babies can be swaddled until they are beginning to roll  please complete swaddling guidelines.

• NEVER hit or shake your baby.

SLEEPING

Establish a bedtime routine and ensure safe sleep practices by placing your baby on their back in a crib that meets safety guidelines.

• Create a bedtime routine and put your baby to bed while they are sleepy but still awake. This will teach your baby to fall asleep on their own.

• Always put your baby to sleep on their back, in their own crib. Never co-sleeping with you.

• Make sure their bed and mattress meet the most recent safety guidelines.

• Do not put soft objects or loose items in bed with your baby—no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or stuffed animals.

• Put your baby’s crib in your room for the first couple of months.

SAFETY CHECK-IN

Prioritize safety at home, in the car, and around water, sun, and chemicals. Be prepared for emergencies with proper planning and equipment.

Safety In The Car and On the Road

• Always buckle your baby in a rear-facing-only car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. 

• Do not take your baby out of the car seat while the vehicle is moving. Instead, find a safe place to stop the car and then attend to your little one.

• Always wear your lap/shoulder belt. Do NOT text while driving. Do NOT drive under the influence.

• Never put a baby in the front seat of a vehicle that has passenger airbags.

• Infants are extremely vulnerable to heat sickness in high temperatures  and hypothermia in low temperatures. DO NOT leave your baby in a vehicle–ever. 

Safety Around Water, Sun, and Chemicals

• Keep hot liquids out of reach of your baby.

• Prevent tap water burns. Set your water heater to 1200F/490C

• Avoid sun exposure for your baby

• Tobacco-free environments are best for children.

•  Keep home and car smoke-free.

• Avoid using pesticides in the home.

• Never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub, even with a bath seat or ring.

Safety in the Home and Emergency Planning

• Purchase a first aid kit

• take a first aid and infant CPR class.

• Keep hanging cords or strings away from your baby. Do not let your baby wear necklaces or bracelets.

• Keep a hand on your baby when changing clothing or diapers. Also while on a couch or raised surface.

• Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor. Test monthly and change batteries yearly.

• Make a family escape plan in case of fire in your home.

Illness Treatment and Prevention

• Wash your hands often with soap and water

• Use a rectal thermometer to take your baby’s temperature, not an ear, forehead, or another thermometer. A rectal temperature of 100.40 F or higher is considered a fever.

• If your child has a fever, call their healthcare provider.

• Avoid crowds and make sure others wash their hands before touching the baby.

Conclusion

As you and your baby journey through the second month, you’ll start to notice the early signs of their personality and preferences. Each day brings new discoveries, from their growing appetite to the way they respond to your voice and touch. By focusing on responsive feeding, engaging play, and safe sleep practices, you’re nurturing your baby’s development and building a bond that will last a lifetime. Remember, it’s also important to care for yourself, as your well-being is the foundation of your baby’s happiness and health. Embrace this time of growth with patience and love, knowing that the efforts you put in now will shape your baby’s future.