Milestones Your Baby at 2 Months

• What are some things you and your baby do together?
• What are some things your baby likes to do?
• Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
• Has your baby lost any skills he/she once had?
• Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or was he/she born prematurely?

You know your baby best. Don’t wait. If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early – it can make a big difference. Talk with your baby’s doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned:

• Ask for a referral to a specialist who can evaluate your baby more.
• Visit Nevada’s Early Intervention Services web page, or call (800) 522-0066 to find out if your baby can get services to help.
• For more on how to help your child click here and visit cdc.gov/Concerned.

As your baby’s first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby’s doctor and child care providers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby’s development.

• Respond positively to your baby. Act excited, smile, and talk to him when he makes sounds. This teaches him to take turns “talking” back and forth in conversation.
• Talk, read, and sing to your baby to help her develop and understand language.
• Spend time cuddling and holding your baby. This will help him feel safe and cared for. You will not spoil your baby by holding or responding to him.
• Being responsive to your baby helps him learn and grow. Limiting your screen time when you are with your baby helps you be responsive.
• Take care of yourself. Parenting can be hard work! It’s easier to enjoy your new baby when you feel good yourself.
• Learn to notice and respond to your baby’s signals to know what she’s feeling and needs. You will feel good and your baby will feel safe and loved. For example, is she trying to “play” with you by making sounds and looking at you, or is she turning her head away, yawning, or becoming fussy because she needs a break?
• Lay your baby on his tummy when he is awake and put toys at eye level in front of him. This will help him practice lifting his head up. Do not leave your baby alone. If he seems sleepy, place him on his back in a safe sleep area (firm mattress with no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or toys).
• Feed only breast milk or formula to your baby. Babies are not ready for other foods, water, or other drinks for about the first 6 months of life.
• Learn when your baby is hungry by looking for signs. Watch for signs of hunger, such as putting hands to mouth, turning head toward breast/bottle, or smacking/licking lips.
• Look for signs your baby is full, such as closing her mouth or turning her head away from the breast/bottle. If your baby is not hungry, it’s ok to stop feeding.
• Do not shake your baby or allow anyone else to—ever! You can damage his brain or even cause his death. Put your baby in a safe place and walk away if you’re getting upset when he is crying. Check on him every 5–10 minutes. Infant crying is often worse in the first few months of life, but it gets better!
• Have routines for sleeping and feeding. This will help your baby begin to learn what to expect.

To see more tips and activities, download CDC’s Milestone Tracker app.