Month 2
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Time seems to fly by – and at the same time, you may sometimes feel as if it’s standing still. For example, when you look at your baby and can hardly believe that this little miracle really is your child. But also when they just won’t stop crying – and you’re about to collapse from exhaustion. It is this ambivalence that sometimes best describes being a parent. And it often takes time to get used to it.
You will now notice that your baby is awake more often and engages a bit more with the world around them. They looks around curiously – even if their vision is still relatively blurred. But it is precisely their vision that they are now training, and thereby also promoting brain development. You will also notice that your baby reacts more and more strongly to sounds and that their movements are already somewhat more coordinated. They will probably try to grab things with their hands and then hold them in their little fist. Your baby may even try to lift their head when they are lying on their tummy – a feat of strength for the little one. From now on, you should no longer leave your baby unattended on the changing unit or on the sofa. Some children are very agile and can turn over at an early age – albeit unintentionally – and fall off. Either way, it makes sense to get into the habit now of not letting the baby out of your sight on elevated surfaces.
You may also notice that your baby is suddenly very unhappy and fussy, especially in the evening, seemingly for no reason. This happens frequently and is mainly attributed to the fact that the child is already tired and processing all the stimuli of the day. So this is completely normal and you shouldn’t let it unsettle you.
Your baby will continue to gain weight and size and may already have outgrown some of their rompers. The weight checks will now reveal the percentile at which your baby’s weight and height are levelling off. Incidentally, many babies gain the most weight in the second month and sometimes have a ravenous appetite. Mothers who breastfeed their babies are therefore sometimes unsure whether the baby is really getting full. Normally, however, milk production adapts to demand and the child’s hunger is sated. If you are still unsure, the postnatal midwife or breastfeeding counsellor can help you.
While you may have observed what is called an “angel’s smile” in the first few weeks, i.e. your baby’s unconscious smile, it is now quite possible that they are already smiling at you quite consciously. But don’t be sad if your baby still can’t be persuaded to smile: that moment is sure to come.
Your baby now also reacts more to sounds and finds them stimulating: perhaps you have a toy with a little bell, a small rattle or a crackling book to attract the baby’s attention. Ideally, the toy should be small and easy to handle so that your baby can practise grasping it and making noise with it.