Your Baby's 2-Month Checkup

Checkups are a way to make sure your baby is growing properly and help you find out if there are any health problems. After the visit, make an appointment for your baby's 4-month checkup.

• Feed your baby when they show signs of hunger. Signs that your baby is hungry include smacking the lips, making sucking motions, looking around for your breast or the bottle, or crying.

• Pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from the breast or nipple and closing the mouth.

• For breastfed babies:

  • Most babies this age breastfeed 8 or more times a day.

  • Follow your health care provider's advice for giving your baby any vitamins.

  • At this age, if breastfeeding is going well, it's OK to give your baby a bottle filled with breast milk.

• For formula-fed babies:

  • Offer your baby about 4–5 ounces (120–150 ml) of formula every 3–4 hours. Tell the health care provider if your baby usually wants to drink more than 32 ounces (960 ml) of formula a day.

  • Always hold your baby and the bottle when feeding. Don't prop the bottle.

  • Don't give your baby low-iron formula.

  • Don't add extra water to your baby's formula.

• Don't give your baby solid foods (such as baby cereal) or juice unless the health care provider recommends it.

• Breastfed babies may poop many times a day, only once a week, or anywhere in between. Formula-fed babies usually poop at least once a day. As long as the poop is soft and your baby seems well, don't worry about how often your little one poops.

• Most babies this age sleep about 14–17 hours in 24 hours. They usually wake to breastfeed or take a bottle during the night, but may sleep for 4–5 hours straight.

• Put your baby in the crib when they're sleepy but not yet asleep. This helps babies learn to fall asleep on their own.

• To help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome):

  • Be sure your baby always sleeps on their back.

  • Put your baby in a crib or bassinet that meets all safety standards. Never put wedges, sleep positioners, pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys in the crib or bassinet.

  • Keep the crib or bassinet in the room where you sleep. Don't have your baby sleep in bed with you.

  • Breastfeed your baby, if possible.

  • Give your baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime. If your baby is breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is going well before using a pacifier.

  • Don't let your baby get too hot while sleeping. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. Don't put too many clothes on your baby and watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating.

  • If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, sling, or baby carrier, move them to the crib or bassinet as soon as possible.

  • Don't let anyone smoke around your baby.

  • Make sure everyone who cares for your baby follows these safe sleep practices.

• Babies this age learn best by talking and playing with others and by touching things in their world. It's best to avoid screen time such as videos, video games, TV, and phone apps. Video chatting (such as FaceTime or Skype) is OK.

• To help your baby's muscles get stronger, put your baby on their belly for "tummy time." Do this 2–3 times a day for 3–5 minutes when your baby is awake. Build up to more tummy time as long as your baby doesn't get frustrated. Be sure an adult stays with your baby during tummy time.

• It's normal for babies to be fussy at times, especially in the first 2–3 months. Babies usually cry less when they reach 3 or 4 months of age.

• Try these ways to calm your baby:

  • Rock or hold your baby while you walk.

  • Sing or play music.

  • Turn on a fan or other calming noise.

  • Give your baby a pacifier.

  • Rub your baby's back while they're lying across your knees.

• In the car, put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on installing and using the car seat, or go to a child safety seat check.

• Take an infant first aid/CPR class.

• To prevent burns, set your hot water heater lower than 120°F (48°C).

• Put smoke and carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

• When using a changing table, keep a hand on your baby and use the safety buckle.

• To prevent choking or suffocation, keep small objects, plastic bags, and balloons away from your baby.

• To protect your baby from the sun, keep your baby in the shade and cover the skin with clothing. It is best not to use sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months, but you may use a small amount if shade and clothing don't give enough protection.

• If you are ever worried that you will hurt your baby, put your baby in the crib or bassinet for a few minutes and call a friend, a relative, or your health care provider for help. Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.

• Get all immunizations and tests that your baby's health care provider recommends.

• Bathe your baby a few times a week in a sink or infant tub lined with a towel. Use warm water and fragrance-free soap. Always keep your eyes and a hand on your baby during a bath.

• After feedings, clean your baby's gums with a wet, clean washcloth or piece of gauze.

• Your health care provider can tell you about help that is available in the community or through a social worker. Talk to your health care provider if you're worried that:

  • You don't have enough food for your baby.

  • You don't have a safe place to live.

  • You don't have health insurance.

  • You have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

• Call your health care provider if your baby:

  • is younger than 3 months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (taken in your baby's bottom)

  • is older than 3 months and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher (taken in your baby's bottom)

  • is not eating well

  • vomits (throws up) more than a few times in a 24-hour period

  • has hard, dry poop or trouble pooping

  • doesn't seem to be growing or developing normally