Baby Calendar Month 2
0 CommentsBaby Development
Baby is starting to stretch out now, and not always curled up in that fetal position anymore. The newborn reflexes are beginning to disappear little by little, and more definite and less shaky movements are observed. When playing, you may notice the baby is now not merely grasping a toy, but beginning to experiment with letting go as well. While on his back, baby may arch his back and even twist a bit from side to side. All these movements are preparing baby for new skills, such as rolling over.
While baby still enjoys mouthing and sucking on her hands and feet, she might start interacting in new ways with her toys, such as pushing at those dangling before her, or batting at them. Also, babys neck muscles are getting stronger, allowing baby to support his head while on his tummy for a few moments, or while in the carseat or in a front carrier. You might even glimpse your little one turning her head from side to side on occasion now. Expect baby to lift her head up to a 45 degree angle, although not for long periods yet. Practice time is needed for all these emerging skills to be refined, and practice time is as simple as playing on tummy, or lifting baby by the grasping fists, carefully, while seated. Using an engaging voice, or a captivating toy will add some spice to the practice sessions.
Perhaps the most exciting development for parents will be the emergence of babys first true social smile. The first time you might think, it was just an accident or baby was exercising her facial muscles or was grandma right? Was that just gas? But soon it will return, in all its toothless glory and there will be no mistaking it. Your babys first smiles! Nothing gets a parent running for the camera quicker than those earliest grins. Consider it a bonus for all the attention and care youve given to your little one. Its so rewarding to play with your child and finally see the joy expressed in that little face, and returned to you.
While you most likely wont be seeing the pediatrician this month, you might have a few health concerns. Feeding issues havent changed much, expect to perhaps become more routine. Expect to feed baby 6 to 8 times a day, approximately 2 to 5 ounces at a time if bottle feeding, and having six wet diapers a day and a content baby is a good indication everything is as it should be.
Sometimes about this time, babies will develop cradle cap. While kind of yucky, and a little bothersome, its really nothing to fuss over. Just use a mild baby shampoo every day and a soft brush. If that doesnt work, talk to the doctor who might recommend a stronger shampoo or even hydrocortisone. Rest assured, it is not permanent, though.
A more serious condition might crop up around now, and thats postpartum depression. While the baby blues should be ending by now, PPD could really be taking hold. If you have lost all desire to participate in life, feel cut off, or your emotions dont seem in synch with your life, like you experience anger at things you wouldnt normally, or feel flat and emotionless, you should speak to a physician immediately. It does not mean youre an unfit parent. Hormones can set off a true depression that will not go away on its own. Dont try to soldier on and not tell anyone how youre feeling. Get help quickly and youll be glad you did. Its more common than most women think, affecting up to 10 percent of new moms, and there are effective treatments available.
Heres a quick list of possible symptoms of postpartum depression:
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Intense emotional responses/irritability
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Loss of interest in things once important, including sex
- Lack of joy
- Guilt or shame troubling you
- Withdrawal from family and friend
- Difficulty bonding with baby
- Thoughts of harming self or baby
Typically, treatment will only take a few months to be successful, but some cases persist for up to a year. Its vital that therapy/treatment be continued and not stopped as soon as the patient begins to feel better. Treatment stopped abruptly will likely lead to a relapse.
Immunizations
Its also time for your babys month 2 well-baby check. This month you can expect baby to get immunizations, most likely a combination diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP,) haemophilus influenza type b vaccine (Hib,) polio, pneumococcal conjugate (PCV,) and the rotavirus vaccine.
Tips for Mom and Dad
While most new parents wont experience the full-fledged difficulties of postpartum depression, the baby blues is quite common, and the pressures are probably less visible now that the baby routines are in place. Help has likely disappeared, as have those tasty meals dropped over by friends and family. You are on your own more and more now. To keep stress levels manageable, take positive steps to keep yourselves individuals, a couple, and a family. Insist on some family traditions. Have a regular meal time. Mom might have a regular night out with friends. Maybe Dad has a monthly barbeque/poker night. Keep those private time outs to provide for outlets outside Mom/Dad time, to continue feeling like a whole person and not just an appendage of the baby. By the same note, have some couple traditions, particularly a planned date night. Schedule it, plan it, and dont neglect it. A happy couple is the foundation for your family. Finally, family time fun is always important. While a gurgling infant may not be ready for mini-golf outings or arcade nights, baby will enjoy a regular walk in the park, or a starlight drive in the country. The important thing is making the time, and making it a regular part of life.
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