What to expect of a 2 month old (1006)

Life with a new baby is hectic. Your needs seem to take a back seat to your baby's needs. But by the second month baby may be settling into a more predictable schedule. For many babies, night-time sleeping lengthens and feedings may be required every 4 hours.

Baby is beginning to be more interested in things, looking around and listening to sounds. Movements are getting smoother, less jerky, and he may have better control over his head and neck. Maybe he can hold his head and chest up while on his tummy.

He might even be able to roll from his side to his back. Don't leave baby alone on a counter, table or bed -- he might flip or wiggle off.

While you're keeping a watchful eye on your little one, you'll be rewarded. Smiles! Smiles usually start in the second month. When you smile at baby, she smiles back.

Even though your baby is still young, she needs your praise and approval. When you get excited about your baby's new talents,

Your baby is beginning to know your voice and likes to look into your eyes when you talk. Why not make a game out of it?

Put baby on your lap, facing you, with his face about 8-12 inches away from yours. Lean toward him and talk happily. Pause and give him a chance to smile, gurgle, wriggle or move his mouth back at you!

Try doing these things one at a time: smile, stick out your tongue, open and close your mouth or eyes widely, or shake your head back and forth while you talk. Watch closely. What does baby do? Does she smile, gurgle, wiggle? Give her time to respond; she doesn't have full control of her body yet. if she makes a sound, repeat it. She'll be thrilled. In a few months she'll babble back when you talk to her, just like a real conversation. Taking turns like this helps your baby learn to talk. Other things that help a baby learn are:

- Music played regularly but not all the time and not too loud.

- Singing to baby and telling him nursery rhymes.

- Wind chimes or a mobile hung in baby's room.

Children can be very different from each other. Don't worry if your child is "early" or "late" in growth. Most importantly, look for and notice your child's growth in each area. Then you can encourage each new ability.

At 2 months of age look for these signs of growth and development: Babies will try to hold up their heads for a few minutes when on their tummy. Their head still wobbles a little when propped up. They can hold onto things for a little while. They are more interested in things now and like to look around and listen.

They are fascinated by their own hands. They like to follow you with their eyes when you move around.

Babies might stay awake as long as 10 hours a day, sleep as long as 7 hours a night -- but don't count on it! Be patient with baby when he wakes up during the night.

Babies will gurgle and smile when they're happy. They start cooing and love to hear others say something back to them. They will cry to let you know they need something. Sucking on their own hand or a pacifier helps to calm them down. Babies will perform to get your attention. They love it when others get excited about what they do. Babies need lots of cuddling and holding.

Give your baby a massage after a bath. They like your touch and the feel of soft fabric and different textures on their skin. Keep baby close to you, she loves being near you!

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