• Baby might be going longer between feedings now, but will still have times when he or she wants to eat more.
• Feed when baby shows signs of hunger, and burp during natural feeding breaks.
• Do not introduce solid foods, juice or water until about 6 months.
• Make sure to discuss any feeding concerns with baby’s doctor.
• Babies should have several wet diapers a day and tend to have fewer poop diapers.

Breast Feeding

• Most breastfed babies this age breastfeed about eight times in a 24-hour period.
• Breastfed babies’ stools should be soft and may be slightly runny.

Formula Feeding

• Most formula fed babies drink about 26–28 ounces (780–840 ml) a day.
• Formula-fed babies’ stools tend to be a little firmer, but should not be hard.

• Your baby will probably begin to stay awake for longer periods and be more alert during the day, sleeping more at night. Waking up at night to be fed is normal
• Breastfed babies may go 4 to 5 hours between feedings at night.
• Formula fed babies may go 5 to 6 hours between feedings at night.

BACK-TO-SLEEP

(guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

• Always place baby to sleep on his/her back
• In your room in a bassinet or crib not in your bed
• In crib which meets current safety standards: Bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Allow no more than a width of 2 adult fingers between the crib mattress and frame. For full crib safety and standards visit www.cpsc.gov
• Use a firm mattress without any bumpers, blankets, quilts, pillows, plush toys, ribbons or ties
• Avoid overheating by keeping the room temperature comfortable
• Consider putting your baby to sleep sucking on a pacifier

General Care

• Notice what helps to calm your baby: patting, rocking, talking, going for walks, sucking fingers or pacifier, etc.
• Continue routines for feeding, sleeping, an playing daily.
• It’s normal for infants to have fussy periods, but for some, crying can be excessive, lasting several hours a day. If a baby develops colic, it usually starts in an otherwise well baby around 3 weeks of age, peaks at 6 weeks, and normally resolves at 3 months.
• Wash hands often, and ask others who will be touching baby to do the same.
• Keep baby out of the sun (sunscreen is not recommended before 6 months old).

• Hold your baby and be attentive to his or her needs.
• Interact with your baby! Singing, talking, and reading to your baby is the best way to help them learn.
• Give your baby supervised “tummy time” when awake, and be ready to help if he or she gets tired or frustrated in this position.
• Limit the amount of time your baby spends in an infant seat, bouncer, or swing.

By 2 months, it’s common for many babies to:

• be alert to sounds
• focus and track faces and objects from one side to the other
• recognize parents’ faces and voices
• gurgle and coo (say “ooh” and “ah”)
• smile in response to being talked to, played with, or smiled at
• lift their head up while lying on their belly
• grasp a rattle placed within the hand

     *All babies develop at different rates, and meet develpmental milestones differently*

Car Safety

• Visit healthychildren.org for complete car seat guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
• Make sure car seat is installed correctly (the Fire Department will check car seats for correct installation)
• Make sure seat is rear-facing in the back seat, and never in the front seat with a passenger side airbag
• Never leave baby alone in the car
• Always wear a seat belt, and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Child Safety Seat Inspection:
1-866-SEATCHECK (732-2432) or www.seatcheck.org

General Safety

• Do not smoke/vape or allow others to smoke/vape around baby.
• Do not leave baby unattended.
  • Never leave a baby alone with siblings or pets, in the bath, on a changing table, or any other raised surface
• Keep small objects such as balloons, bags, toys from other children away from baby.
• Make sure your home’s water temperature is set to below 120º F.
• Do not carry or drink hot liquids while holding baby.
• Test baby’s bath water and formula temperature with your wrist.
• If your baby gets burned, place the area in cold water for a few minutes then cover loosely, and call baby’s doctor.
• Never shake a baby.
• Never put a necklace, pacifier, or toy around the baby’s neck.
• Do not use a baby walker as they are more likely to cause accidents.

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Feeding poorly (such as poor suck, does not finish)
• Hard to wake up
• Dehydration suspected. No urine in over 8 hours, dark urine, very dry mouth and no tears.
• Fever: Rectal temperature below 96.8º or above 100.4º
• CAUTION: Do not give fever medication before contacting your baby’s doctor

Call Doctor Within 24 Hours

• You are worried your baby is not getting enough breastmilk
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent