BRIGHT FUTURES: 2 WEEKS

How Your Family Is Doing
If you are worried about your living or food situation, talk with us. Community agencies and programs such as WIC and SNAP can also provide information and assistance.

Ask us for help if you have been hurt by your partner or another important person in your life. Hotlines and community agencies can also provide confidential help.

Tobacco-free spaces keep children healthy. Don't smoke or use e-cigarettes. Keep your home and car smoke-free.

Don't use alcohol or drugs.

Check your home for mold and radon. Avoid using pesticides.

Feeding Your Baby
Feed your baby only breastmilk or iron-fortified formula until he is about 6 months old. Feed your baby when he is hungry. Look for him to:

Put his hand to his mouth
Suck or root
Fuss

Stop feeding when you see your baby is full. You can tell when he:

Turns away
Closes his mouth
Relaxes his arms and hands

Know that your baby is getting enough to eat if he has more than 5 wet diapers and at least 3 soft stools per day and is gaining weight appropriately.

Hold your baby so you can look at each other while you feed him.

Always hold the bottle. Never prop it.

If breastfeeding:

Feed your baby on demand. Expect at least 8 to 12 feedings per day.
Begin giving your baby vitamin D drops (400 IU per day).
Continue your prenatal vitamin with iron.
Eat a healthy diet.

If formula feeding:

Always prepare, heat, and store formula safely. If you need help, ask us.
Feed your baby 24 to 27 ounces of formula per day.
If he is still hungry, offer him more.

How You Are Feeling

Take care of yourself so you have the energy to care for your baby.
If you feel sad or very tired for more than a few days, let us know or call someone you trust for help.
Find time for yourself and your partner.

Caring For Your Baby

Hold and cuddle your baby often.
Enjoy playtime with your baby. Put him on his tummy for a few minutes at a time while awake.
Never leave him alone on his tummy or use tummy time for sleep.
When your baby is crying, comfort him by talking to, patting, stroking, and rocking him. Consider offering him a pacifier.
Never hit or shake your baby.
Take his temperature rectally, not by ear or by skin. A fever is a rectal temperature of 100.4°F/38.0°C or higher. Call our office if you have any questions or concerns.
Wash your hands often.

Safety

Use a rear-facing-only car safety seat in the back of all vehicles.
Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger airbag.
Make sure your baby always stays in her car safety seat during travel. If she becomes fussy or needs to feed, stop the vehicle and take her out of her seat.
Your baby’s safety depends on you. Always wear your lap and shoulder seat belt. Never drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Never text or use a cell phone while driving.
Always put your baby to sleep on her back in her own crib, not in your bed.
- Your baby should sleep in your room until she is at least 6 months old.
- Make sure your baby’s crib or sleep surface meets the most recent safety guidelines.
- Don’t put soft objects and loose bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and toys in the crib.
Swaddling should only be used with babies younger than 2 months.
If you choose to use a mesh playpen, get one made after February 28, 2013.
Keep hanging cords or strings away from your baby. Don’t let your baby wear necklaces or bracelets.
Always keep a hand on your baby when changing diapers or clothing on a changing table, couch, or bed.
Learn infant CPR. Know emergency number. Prepare for disasters or other unexpected events by having an emergency plan.

What To Expect At Your Baby’s 2 Month Visit
We will talk about:

Taking care of your baby, your family, and yourself
Getting back to work or school and finding childcare
Getting to know your baby
Feeding your baby
Keeping your baby safe at home and in the car

The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Original handout included as part of the Bright Futures Tool and Resource Kit , 2nd Edition.

Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not review or endorse any modifications made to this handout and in no event shall the AAP be liable for any such changes.

© 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved.

AAP Feed run on: 9/15/2024 Article information last modified on: 9/15/2024