Well baby visit - two months

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Article Summary

Size, weight, along with feeding - and crying - will be the focus for this visit.

At 2 months, your baby still keeps you guessing. But his sleeping and eating habits are starting to become more predictable. You should be enjoying him more all the time. At this point, his natural eye colour will start to emerge, and his face will start looking thinner and his body chubbier than even a week ago. His size and weight will be the focus of this well-baby visit, along with feeding and the increase in crying that's expected at this age. Also, it's time for the first set of immunisations.

At this visit, your GP will probably:

 Check your baby's weight to make sure he's growing at a healthy, steady rate. Click here to view our growth chart.

 Ask you about your baby's hearing, eyesight and other new skill developments.

 Give you some insight into your baby's development and behaviour at this age.

 Give your baby his first big stage of immunisations.

 Address any minor health concerns, such as how to alleviate cradle cap or nappy rash, for example.

 Answer any breastfeeding questions you may have.

 Talk about how to handle minor illnesses at home.

Your GP will want to know:

 Has your baby seen another general practitioner since the last visit? If so, why? What was the outcome of that visit, and was any medication or treatment prescribed?
 Does your baby hold his head up when you put him on his tummy?
 Does he use his forearms to elevate his upper chest when put down?
 Does he smile on his own?
 Does he make cooing sounds when you talk to him?
 Does he bring his legs up when he's on his back?
 Does he hold his head more steadily when you hold him up to your shoulder or pick him up?
 Does he sleep longer at night and less during the day?
 Does he have a crying spell at the end of the day? All of this behaviour is expected at this time.

Talk It Over

 How's your baby eating? How's he sleeping? What are his crying patterns like? Discuss these things with your doctor. If your baby seems especially restless, your GP may be able to show you ways to soothe him.

 If you must return to work soon, discuss with your doctor ways to make the transition smoother for you and your baby.

 Discuss confusing or contradictory advice on how to deal with your baby. Everyone has theories about bringing up children, but your GP is the one you should listen to for the most current recommendations.

 Discuss how your family is adapting to life with the new baby, and bring up any sibling issues that are becoming hard to manage.

 If you haven't been out of the house with your new baby, discuss this with your health visitor or GP.

 Are you ready to handle minor illnesses or a fever that may follow your baby's vaccinations? Get instructions before you leave, although there is help here.

Speak Up!

Many new parents notice changes in their baby's vision and hearing around this age. Talk to your GP about any concerns you have. Your GP will want to know about it if your baby:

 Doesn't look at you or follow you with his eyes as you move from side to side within his range of vision. At this age, his range is about 15 to 45 centimeters (6 to 18 inches).
 Doesn't turn towards voices, especially yours or those of familiar people such as carers or other relatives.
 Still feels so limp that it seems he'll slip out of your grasp, or his head still wobbles a great deal.
 Moves unevenly or moves one leg or arm more than the other.
 Has any problems with his eyes, particularly if they're runny or have pus. He may have a plugged or narrow tear duct that needs attention.
 Doesn't make any sounds.
 Doesn't stay alert for more than 30 minutes at any time.

If things are not falling into place for you as a parent or haven't improved at all since last month, let your doctor know. If you are depressed, your baby will be able to pick up on it, and it could affect his development. He needs you to be at your best for his own mental and emotional growth, so get some help now. You can ask your GP or the surgery for a referral.

Click here to return to Well-Baby Introduction.

Category Tags:

Development

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Health

Article Tags:

milestones

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weight

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paediatrician

,

checkup

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immunizations