Baby Development Milestones - 2 Months
Toys and other things to consider buying
What to Expect: Milestones for 2-Month-Old Babies
Welcoming a baby into your life is a joyous and transformative experience. By the time your baby is 2 months old, you may notice significant changes and developments in various areas such as social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and physical milestones. These early achievements lay the foundation for their overall growth and development. Let's delve into what most babies typically achieve by the age of 2 months:
Social/Emotional Milestones
At 2 months, babies begin to show more social and emotional responses, developing connections with their caregivers. Here are some milestones to look for:
- Calms Down When Spoken to or Picked Up: Your baby may start to feel comforted when you talk to them or pick them up. They can recognize your voice and presence, which brings them a sense of security.
- Looks at Your Face: Babies begin to make eye contact and show interest in human faces. They may gaze intently at your face, studying your features and expressions.
- Seems Happy to See You: Your baby might show signs of excitement or happiness when you approach them. This can be seen through facial expressions like smiles or widened eyes.
- Smiles When You Talk to or Smile at Them: One of the most heartwarming milestones is when your baby responds to your smiles and conversations with a smile of their own. This is an early indication of social engagement.
Language/Communication Milestones
Language development starts early, and by 2 months, babies begin to communicate in their own way:
- Makes Sounds Other than Crying: In addition to crying, your baby may start to make cooing or gurgling sounds. These early vocalizations are their attempts to communicate and express themselves.
- Reacts to Loud Sounds: Babies may startle or react to sudden loud noises. This indicates that their hearing is developing, and they are becoming more aware of their surroundings.
Cognitive Milestones (Learning, Thinking, Problem-Solving)
Cognitive development involves learning, thinking, and problem-solving skills. At 2 months, you may notice the following:
- Watches You as You Move: Your baby might track your movements with their eyes, showing that they are becoming more attentive and curious about their environment.
- Looks at a Toy for Several Seconds: Babies may fixate on a toy or object for a brief period, demonstrating their ability to focus and explore visual stimuli.
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
Physical development is crucial at this stage, as babies start to gain control over their bodies:
- Holds Head Up When on Tummy: Tummy time is essential for strengthening neck and shoulder muscles. Your baby may start to hold their head up briefly while on their tummy.
- Moves Both Arms and Both Legs: Active movement of arms and legs is a sign of healthy muscle development. Babies will often kick and wave their limbs.
- Opens Hands Briefly: You may notice your baby's hands opening more frequently. This indicates developing fine motor skills and hand control.
As your baby’s first teacher, you have a crucial role in their learning and brain development. Here are some simple tips and activities you can try safely. If you have any questions or need more ideas, be sure to talk with your baby’s doctor and teachers:
- Respond positively to your baby: Show excitement, smile, and engage with your baby when they make sounds. This helps them learn to take turns in conversation.
- Talk, read, and sing: Regularly talk, read, and sing to your baby to aid their language development and comprehension.
- Spend quality time cuddling and holding: This makes your baby feel safe and loved. Remember, holding and responding to your baby will not spoil them.
TOYS and OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER BUYING
Babies do not need much at this age besides mom and dad ! However, if you would like to buy a few things for yourself or as a gift to a loved one, you may consider –
- Rattles that make soft noise
- Nursery decorations
- Baby clothes
- High contrast cards / books
Conclusion
Watching your baby grow and achieve these milestones is a rewarding experience. While every baby develops at their own pace, these general milestones provide a glimpse into their incredible journey of growth. Celebrate each achievement and cherish these precious moments as your baby continues to thrive and discover the world around them. Remember, if you have any concerns about your baby's development, don't hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and support.
Useful Websites
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/parenthood/developmental-milestones-baby
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
https://www.michigan.gov/mikidsmatter/parents/infant/milestones
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22063-baby-development-milestones-safety