Birth+: Your 2-month-old
Your baby is even more alert now and really taking in everything around her. During this month, she may begin to smile or coo to communicate her preferences and emotions.
Knowing mom and dad
You may find that your baby is starting to respond to familiar voices and sounds such as your voice. By now more than half of all babies can recognize their parents, as shown by the special reaction that moms and dads—versus strangers—receive from their babies.
Remember however that there’s no strict schedule for your baby's development. Every baby is different and develops according to her own unique timetable.
Your baby’s growth
At 2 months babies usually range from 20.75 inches long and 8.5 pounds (10th percentile) to 23 inches long and 12.5 pounds (90th percentile).
This month your baby may be able to:
- respond to loud sounds by becoming completely silent, crying, or acting startled
- make cooing sounds
- repeat "ooh" and "aah"
- move her head or eyes toward the sound of your voice, showing that she recognizes you
- raise her chest and head using her arms for support while lying on her tummy
- focus on very small objects and follow (or "track") objects with her eyes as her eye muscles continue to develop
What you can do
- Read or sing to her. This face-to-face play will help you bond with your baby and help your child learn about herself and the world around her.
- Get down on a blanket on the floor with your baby and play. As she continues to gain more control and get stronger, give her plenty of time to kick and move around.
