Your 2-month-old: Week 1

How your baby's growing:



Your baby can tell the difference between familiar voices and other sounds, and he's becoming a better listener. He can also show you that he's in tune with his environment. Notice how he looks to see where certain noises are coming from.



An ongoing conversation (although seemingly one-sided) can help your baby develop his sense of place. He may even watch your mouth as you talk, fascinated by how it all works. You'll be amazed by his ability to communicate with a growing repertory of coos (musical, vowel-like sounds), smiles, and unique cries to express his different needs.



• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-month-old's development.

Your life: Loving your partner

Very few parents feel amorous in the weeks following childbirth, for some pretty understandable reasons. It's important to remember, however, that being a new parent doesn't mean that you're no longer a sexual being. Even if you don't have time, stamina, or interest in having sexual intercourse, you and your partner can still find ways to express your love for each other.



Love through talk. Keep the lines of communication open no matter how stressed you feel. Remember that you're both going through huge changes in your life. Talking about them can help you feel closer. Frame complaints so that they don't sound accusatory: Instead of saying, "You shouldn't do ___," for example, try, "I feel ___ when you do ___."



Love through laughter. When your life has turned upside down and you're so tired you could be mistaken for a zombie, it's as appropriate to laugh about it as to cry. Poke fun at your own mistakes together.



Love through escape. Leave your baby in the care of a trusted relative or sitter while you go on a date. See a movie, go out for dinner or dessert, or do something else you can enjoy together. Just being away for a couple of hours can recharge you.



Love through touching. Sex isn't all about intercourse. Kissing, cuddling, caressing, and other kinds of physical intimacy don't require a lot of energy and can help you relax.



Love through time. Remember that these topsy-turvy weeks are temporary.

3 questions about: The 2-month exam

What will the doctor be looking for?

She'll weigh and measure your baby, checking his length and the size of his head to be sure he's growing at the proper rate. Your baby's vision and hearing will be checked, as will his heart and lungs. The doctor will examine him from head to toe, front and back, making sure that he's healthy and meeting his developmental milestones. She'll screen for common infant health issues, including diaper rash, baby acne, thrush, and cradle cap. This is a great time to bring up questions you have about breastfeeding, returning to work, and any other health or behavior concerns. Print out our doctor visit worksheet to take with you to the appointment.



Which vaccines will be recommended?

At this visit, it's recommended that your baby get the following vaccines: hepatitis B; polio; DTaPHib, to protect against meningitis; pneumococcal, to protect against severe bacterial infections, ear infections, and meningitis; and rotavirus (given by mouth), to prevent stomach flu.



What questions will the doctor ask?

Most likely she'll cover the baby basics:

• Your baby's feeding: Breast milk or formula, how often and how much?

• Your baby's elimination: How many bowel movements and wet diapers per day, and what is the consistency and color of the bowel movements?

• Your baby's sleep: How many consecutive hours at night, in what position, and where?

• Your baby's behavior and development: Does he respond to your voice, smile, and coo? Does he look at faces and track objects with his eyes? What does he do during tummy time?

(diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis);

source : babycenter