Hello!
Your baby is now two months old! Today we’ll be talking about milestones, donating breastmilk, and helping your baby sleep. |
Looksee Checklist
You can now do the 2-month Looksee Checklist with your baby.
Does your child:
- Follow movement with eyes?
- Study your face?
- Startle or wake to loud noises?
- Stop crying when comforted by you?
- Enjoy being touched and cuddled?
- Recognize and calm down to a familiar gentle voice?
- Have different cries? (tired, hungry)
- Have a variety of sounds? (coos, gurgles)
- Suck well on the nipple?
- Feed every 2-4 hours during the day?
- Lift head when on tummy?
- Hold head up when held at your shoulder?
- Move arms and legs?
Follow up with your health care provider if you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions or if you have concerns about your child’s development.
Learn more about how to support your child’s development. |
Donating your breastmilk
Some parents are unable to give their own breastmilk to their baby. These parents may rely on donated milk from other breastfeeding parents.
The safest way to donate your breastmilk is to an official human milk bank. Human milk banks will screen donors, pasteurize the milk, and test it to ensure its safety. |
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Helping your baby sleep
Believe it or not, napping during the day helps your baby to sleep better at night. Some babies nap as little as 20 minutes, while others may nap for three or more hours. Both are normal.
Try using a shorter version of your baby’s bedtime routine before a nap, for example, a short story and cuddle. When you can, place your baby to sleep in the same place for daytime napping and nighttime sleeping.
Remember to place your baby on their back to sleep and tummy to play. If your baby rolls over onto their tummy while sleeping, you do not need to move them onto their back.
Some babies may develop a flattened area on the back or side of the head. This is called plagiocephaly. Follow these tips to help prevent flat spots:
- Give your baby tummy time when they are awake. This helps develop strong neck, shoulder and arm muscles.
- Avoid long periods in car seats, baby seats, and swings where your baby’s head is in the same position.
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Your body
After having a baby, you might feel pressure to return to your pre-pregnancy body size and shape. Embrace the changes to your body—it was part of growing a healthy baby. Your body will return to its healthy weight gradually as you make healthy choices. Take care of yourself by eating well, being active, and getting enough rest. When you are feeling your best, you are better able to take care of your baby and adapt to parenthood.
Try:
- Listening to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness.
- Avoiding popular diets. Instead, eat a variety of your favourite foods each day from Canada’s Food Guide.
- Being active each day by doing something you enjoy.
- Getting enough sleep and taking breaks throughout the day.
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Join the conversation on our Child and Babytalk in KFL&A Facebook Page!
You’ll find daily posts about health information and trending topics from our registered nurse and registered dietitian. If you have a question, send us a direct message and we’ll get back to you during working hours. |
Now that your baby is a bit older and things may be starting to feel more routine, we’re going to start sending you e-mails once a month. |
KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7M 1V5
kflaph.ca |
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