What Most Babies Do by 2 Months
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Calms down when spoken to or picked up
- Looks at your face
- Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her
- Smiles when you talk to or smile at her
Language/Communication Milestones
- Makes sounds other than crying
- Reacts to loud sounds
Cognitive Milestones
- Watches you as you move
- Looks at a toy for several seconds
Movement/Physical Development
- Holds head up when on tummy
- Moves both arms and both legs
- Opens hands briefly
Help Your Baby Learn and Grow
As your baby's first teacher, you can help their learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your baby's doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your baby's development.
Respond positively to your baby. Act excited, smile, and talk to them when they make sounds. This teaches them to take turns "talking" back and forth in conversation.
Talk, read, and sing to your baby to help them develop and understand language.
Spend time cuddling and holding your baby. This will help them feel safe and cared for. You will not spoil your baby by holding or responding to them.
Being responsive to your baby helps them learn and grow. Limiting your screen time when you are with your baby helps you be responsive.
Take care of yourself. Parenting can be hard work! It's easier to enjoy your new baby when you feel good yourself.
Learn to notice and respond to your baby's signals to know what they're feeling and needs. You will feel good and your baby will feel safe and loved.
Lay your baby on their tummy when they are awake and put toys at eye level in front of them. This will help them practice lifting their head up. Do not leave your baby alone. If they seem sleepy, place them on their back in a safe sleep area (firm mattress with no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or toys).
Feed only breast milk or formula to your baby. Babies are not ready for other foods, water or other drinks for about the first 6 months of life.
Learn when your baby is hungry by looking for signs. Watch for signs of hunger, such as putting hands to mouth, turning head toward breast/bottle, or smacking/licking lips.
Look for signs your baby is full, such as closing their mouth or turning their head away from the breast/bottle. If your baby is not hungry, it's ok to stop feeding.
Have routines for sleeping and feeding. This will help your baby begin to learn what to expect.
Important Safety Warning
Do not shake your baby or allow anyone else to—ever! You can damage their brain or even cause their death. Put your baby in a safe place and walk away if you're getting upset when they are crying. Check on them every 5–10 minutes. Infant crying is often worse in the first few months of life, but it gets better!
When to Be Concerned
You know your baby best. Don't wait.
If your baby is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills they once had, or you have other concerns, act early.
Talk with your baby's doctor:
- Share your concerns
- Ask about developmental screening
- Get a referral to a specialist if needed
Contact Early Intervention Services:
If you have concerns about your baby's development, contact your local early intervention program for evaluation and support services.
Download Your 2-Month Milestone Checklist
Free Milestone Checklist
Download our comprehensive 2-month milestone checklist to track your baby's development. Take it with you to doctor visits and use it to monitor progress at home.
No email required • Instant download • Based on WHO & CDC standards
Other Important Things to Share with the Doctor
Questions to Discuss:
- What are some things you and your baby do together?
- What are some things your baby likes to do?
- Is there anything your baby does or does not do that concerns you?
- Has your baby lost any skills they once had?
- Does your baby have any special healthcare needs or were they born prematurely?
Safety Reminders:
- Do not shake your baby or allow anyone else to—ever!
- Do not leave your baby alone during tummy time
- Place baby on back in safe sleep area when sleepy
- Watch for signs of hunger and fullness