2-Month Well Child Check

To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, your baby should sleep in his own bed on his back (Back to Sleep). You should avoid heavy blankets, stuffed animals and other objects that could suffocate your baby.
Your baby has very sensitive skin and is prone to easy burns from hot liquids. Your water heater should be set at 120 or lower. You should never carry hot liquids and your baby at the same time. Remember never to heat a bottle directly in the microwave.
Babies like to explore their environment which usually involves putting things in their mouths. Never leave small objects around your baby that they could choke on. Learning CPR can help you save your baby if he chokes.
Your baby can wiggle and kick with the best of them. Babies can easily fall off any elevated surface. Many babies roll over by 4 months, which increases their risk of falling. Do not leave your baby alone on any elevated surface (changing table, bed, etc.).
Babies should ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat until they are 1-year-old AND 20 pounds. You should use the car seat EVERY time your baby rides in the car.
Continue to always be with your baby when he is around water. A child can drown in any amount of water.

Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for infants. Babies should feed on demand – meaning they should be fed when they are hungry. They should eat every 3-4 hours and should still be feeding during the night. You should continue to nurse your baby 5-10 minutes on each side.
Formula is a safe and nutritious alternative to breast feeding. Your baby should have a bottle of about 3-6 ounces every 4 hours. Your baby can feed on demand, but should never be forced to finish a bottle. As your baby grows, you can increase the amount of formula in the bottle to 6-8 ounces.
To prevent breathing and choking problems, you should always hold your baby’s bottle while feeding him and never “prop” the bottle.

Your baby has probably started to coo and babble. You can help your baby develop by talking back with coos, babbles and words like a conversation. Your baby will try to imitate what you’re doing. Reading to your baby will also help them learn to talk. Choose books that have large, bright colored pictures. Chunky books and soft books work best.
Your baby has probably started to smile and loves to play. You can help develop these skills by smiling back, laughing and playing with your baby.
Your baby should be good at holding his head up when held upright. You can help him get stronger by giving him “tummy time” during the day. He will probably be able to roll over from front-to-back or back-to-front by your next visit.
Your baby likes to follow you and other object with his eyes. He is starting to keep his hands open more often now. You can help him develop motor skills by offering him toys to hold. Make sure the whole toy doesn’t fit in his mouth.

Next Visit – at 4 months of age