In this Article
- Video: 6 Fun and Engaging Developmental Activities for a 2-Month-Old Baby
- What to Expect From Two Months Old Baby?
- Fun and Engaging Two-Month-Old Baby Activities
It’s two months, and you’re starting to understand your baby’s personality. You can tell what they like and dislike and interpret their different cries and cues. It’s time to take it to the next level; introduce some activities to aid them in their development. Use their time awake as an opportunity to introduce some play that helps them develop physically and socially.
Newborns rely on others to initiate engagement for the first month or two of their lives. However, by the third month’s end, your baby will communicate with you through facial expressions and vocalisation. Your baby’s individuality will start to show!
Your kid will carefully observe your facial expressions and attentively listen to your speech before making noises and gurgles in response to you. Two-month-old babies enjoy these baby activities and seem delighted to see their caregivers.Use their time awake as an opportunity to introduce some play that helps them develop physically and socially.
Video: 6 Fun and Engaging Developmental Activities for a 2-Month-Old Baby
What to Expect From Two Months Old Baby?
You will notice:
- Their heads are a little steadier and you’ll see them make an effort to keep steady. You should continue their tummy time to ensure they get enough opportunity to get stronger.
- Their instinctive reflexes are still there. You’ll find they still have the sucking reflex and it’s a good thing; sucking is one of the best ways they can comfort themselves.
- You’ll start to see that they try to bat any object you place in front of them.
- Their vision continues to develop, and now they can see objects up to 45cm (18 inches) away.
- They start looking at objects and follow them when they move.
- They love listening to you talk or sing and the more you do it,theymore they love it.
- You’ll hear them cry with more gurgling, cooing or grunting.
- They can recognize where sounds come from and turn their heads in response
- They can now smile.
Fun and Engaging Two-Month-Old Baby Activities
Here are someplay activities for2-month-oldbabies that are tried and tested.
1. Wiggle Toys
This is the most basic of all play. Babies are naturally attracted to brightlycolouredobjects, especially the ones that rattle.
Skill Development
It develops their vision and tracking skills.
What You Require
You can use brightlycolouredtoys, dolls, stuffed animals, mobile phones and soft toys.
How To Do
At 2 months babies can see up to 45cm away from their eyes. This is enough for them to fix on an object that’s brought close to their face and follow it for a short span of time. With moreplay, you can help build this ability of theirs to see. Start with any toy that they find attractive, preferably one that rattles as it normally elicits a stronger response. Move it in different directions while bringing it closer and taking it further away from their face. You can also add funny sound effects, talking and singling while you move the toy around.
2. Talking to your baby
Talking to your baby is how they will learn to pick up the sound of your voice over others’ and different sounds.Eventually, they’ll begin to recognize people who interact with them regularly.
Skill Development
Helps with listening, vocal and language skills.
What You Require
Just you and your baby
How To Do
Talk to them like how you talk to anybody else, any sort of talking or singing is good. As your baby hears you sing and talk, it lays down the foundations of their own language, hearing and vocal skills. It doesn’t matter want you to sayto them, talk to them with full of expressions or sing a lullaby, so they are comforted by your voice. You’ll also begin to notice they respond differently to your words and tone that convey different emotions.
3. Cuddle time
Cuddle time is an essential sensory activity that has profound benefits to both baby and mother.
Skill Development
Bonding and emotional development
What You Require
You and your baby
How To Do
Cuddle time is anything that involves skin to skin contact between you and your child. Dedicate some time just to hug and tell them that you love them. It could also be done duringbreastfeeding, rocking them to sleep or giving them amassage.Themore you touch, the greater the bound with them. For the baby, the benefits include psychological and physical development, improved sleep and stress relief.
4. Exploration through touch
Touch is an important sense and now is a good time to start introducing them to different materials and sensations which will help them build their tactile skills. Touch is how babies learn about their environment along with visuals and sound. This exercise not only involves touching withhands but the whole body.
Skill Development
Builds fine tactile and sensory skills.
What You Require
Clothes of different textures, toys and other everyday objects.
How To Do
Give them a variety of textured toys and other objects such as rattlers, sponges, textured rings, different types of fabrics, household items etc. You can choose numerous toys from the baby store that have surfaces that are spiky, smooth, rubbery, squishy or bumpy. Laying the baby naked on different types of fabrics helps them get a sensation of the texture all over their body. You can also move different textured toys on their body (belly, legs, arms, face, back), this one of the bestsensory activities for your2-month-old. Some also enjoy being tickles with a soft object such as a feather.
5. Tummy time
It’s essential to let your babies lay on their tummies forsome timeevery day.
Skill Development
Physical development and builds strength.
What You Require
You and your baby.
How To Do
Let your baby lay on its tummy for a while during play time every day. It helps them to build strength and coordination in the muscles that control their neck, shoulder, arms and the upper body. They eventually learn to roll over and move around and tummy time is essential to build that skill. In the longrun, it strengthens the muscles that enable them to crawl and sit up. However, do not let them lay on their tummies for too long at a stretch, lay them on their back in between to let them relax.Tummy time activities for2-month-oldis best done when their mood isclam orcheerful.
6. Reading
Reading together is a fun activity that can be enriching both visually and auditorily. Babies love hearing their parents’ voices, and it works best when both take turns to read to their child.
Skill Development
Builds cognitive and language skills.
What You Require
Some books for infants
How To Do
Sit down withyourbaby and readthelines from the book while you point it out. Show them thecolourfulillustrations and tell what each one is. Read to them in a quiet place and make it fun. You can try reading using exaggerated facial expressions and animated voices to keep your baby’s attention on the activity.
7. Family Get together
A get together is excellent for building their social skills as they get used to being picked up by unfamiliar people.
Skill Development
Helps build social skills.
What You Require
Gathering with relatives and close friends.
How To Do
Take them out to see other people and family gatherings where they can meet different people who are unfamiliarwiththem. Being picked up by your friends and relatives exposes them to new voices and faces. This helps them to interact with people and not get scared or confusedaboutnew people in the long run.Also, ensure you take them to gatherings that are not too crowded or loud. It could agitate them, and the activity becomes counterproductive.
8. Move around
This is a good activity to spend some quality time withyourbaby.
Skill Development
Bonding and spatial awareness.
What You Require
You and your baby
How To Do
Pick up your baby and move them around the house or go outside. This movement helps in the development of the vestibular system which is responsible for our awareness of our own bodies in space.
9. Massage
Babies love massages.
Skill Development
Bonding, tactile and awareness of the body
What You Require
Baby massage oil
How To Do
Gently massage your baby’s body with warm massage oil in a quiet room. Undress them and let them lay down on a soft flat surface. Massage sections of their bodies such as belly, legs, arms, shoulders and back. Move and stretch their arms and legs out. Make them make cycling motions with their legs to warm up and strengthen the lower body muscles, the same can be done with their arms. Massage while improving blood circulation, relaxes the baby and helps bond with its mother.
10. Introduce Colours and Lights
Lights andcolourfulhanging objects are great at drawing your baby’s attention. They are visually attractive and build motor function.
Skill Development
Sensorydevelopment builds motor skills and helps in hand and eyecoordination.
What You Require
Brightly,colouredtoys with lights and sound
How To Do
Hang toys that are colourful and visually appealing over your baby’s crib. Your baby will try to touch or swat it and in the process build coordination with the eyes. You can also get them a play gym that has many more hanging toys and visually appealing objects.
11. Sing a Lullaby
Experts atUNICEFstate that music helps brain development and soothes them to sleep. This is one of the best activities to do with a two-month-old baby.
Skill Development
Language and listening skills are acquired.
What You Require
You and your baby are all you’ll need.
How to Do
Hum and sing your little cutie pie’s favourite song. As you sing, change the dynamics of your voice. The infant makes an effort to answer your voice. While you sing, they try to concentrate. Check to see whether she indicates the various pitches with gestures or facial expressions.
12. Swatting Game
This is a crucial ability that improves hand-eye coordination. You can make use of your play gym or various toys or rattles. Anything that is noisy or bright and exciting.
Skill Development
Hand-eye coordination is developed under this.
What You Require
Brightly coloured toys and hanging toys above the child.
How to Do
Place a colourful, bright toy over your child’s crib. Baby will try to reach for them since they are drawn to the shapes and sizes. It uplifts their mood. In the process, they will stretch their body, which will help them get some exercise. You might notice that your infant starts swatting objects as you hang toys above his or her head.
Keep in mind that every infant develops at their own rate. Try these exercises again in a few weeks if your child is not prepared or interested in them. Your child swatting at the objects can surprise you. The sounds and lighting help the sensory development.
13. Hold a Finger
Baby will remain calm and secure, which will enhance their sleep patterns. They will be able to grasp things better.
Skill Development
Bonding, sensory, and gripping abilities acquired
What You Require
You will require your baby and you.
How To Do
Daily, let your infant grasp your finger for a few seconds. It will facilitate their emotional attachment with you and make them feel connected. It will calm their senses as well.
14. Make Different Expressions
Babies enjoy examining faces. Faces fascinate them, and learning about them encourages babies to form bonds with those around them.
Skill Development
Encourages babies to bond with people
What You Require
You and your baby
How To Do
Try sketching a straightforward face and discussing the various qualities with them. To help them learn to associate the sounds of the words with what they imply, you may even touch their facial features while you speak.
Every new sensory experience helps your baby grow and develop and build a better detail of the external world in their brains. So provide them plenty of opportunities for new experiences.
Also Read:
2 Months Old Baby Growth and Development
2 Months Old Baby Milestones
FAQs
What are the activities of a 2 month old baby? ›
At 2-3 months, you might see more smiles, plus new facial expressions and ways of communicating. Babies might stretch, kick, move their arms and start to control their head movements. Play is how babies learn. Try talking, reading, singing and playing peekaboo to boost newborn development.
What should a 2 month old be doing developmentally? ›Your 2-month-old is wide-eyed and curious, smiling at faces and engaging with everything around her/him. Babies at this age are social and love to interact. Here is how your little one will be growing, learning and changing during this sweet age.
What is a fun activity you could do with an infant? ›Focus on bonding activities when you're home with your baby, such as talking, singing, and reading. Touching, cradling, and stroking your baby can be a great way to connect. Infant massage, skin-to-skin contact, and tummy time are also great to do with your newborn at home.
How many shots do you get at 2 months check up? ›During two-month checkups, most babies will be immunized against seven or eight different diseases. Typical immunizations given during your child's 2-month checkup include: Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) Rotavirus vaccine.
How can I stimulate my baby's brain? ›Play ideas for encouraging newborn cognitive development
Talk to your baby often, hold your baby, and make eye contact. Read with your baby, recite nursery rhymes, or sing songs. Repeating the same song, rhyme or story is great for babies, because repetition is one of the ways they learn. Make faces with your baby.
Moving - Physical or Motor Development
Holds head up and begins to push up with arms when lying on stomach. Makes smoother movements with arms and legs. Moves both arms and both legs equally well. Brings hands to mouth.
In the first month, aim for 10 minutes of tummy time, 20 minutes in the second month and so on until your baby is six months old and can roll over both ways (though you should still place your baby on her stomach to play after that).
What are some cognitive milestones for 2 month old? ›- Beginning to look at close objects.
- Coos.
- Different cries mean different things.
- Head turns from side to side with sound at the level of the ear.
- Smiles.
- Responds to familiar voices.
- Healthy babies can cry up to 3 hours per day.
Babies start rolling over as early as 4 months old. They will rock from side to side, a motion that is the foundation for rolling over. They may also roll over from tummy to back. At 6 months old, babies will typically roll over in both directions.
What do you do all day with a baby? ›Newborn babies seem to mostly sleep, eat, cry and poo. But as you and your baby get to know each other and bond in your early days together, your day will also involve cuddling and playtime.
What are bright baby activities? ›
- social interactions.
- talking.
- playing.
- moving.
- singing.
- reading.
Your 2-month-old baby's growth
The average weight of a 2-month-old baby girl is 11.3 pounds; the average baby boy at 2 months weighs in at 12.3 pounds. Height averages are 22.5 inches for girls and 23 inches for boys.
Wait at least 6 hours after vaccination before giving it to your child, since it could impact how well the vaccine works.
Why is my 2-month-old drooling? ›It's Normal!
Baby's start drooling at two or three months of age. Why does this happen? Babies don't have full control over the muscles that control swallowing until they are 18-24 months old. Additionally, the average person produces about two to four pints of saliva per day!
Babies like bright primary colours, as these are the most exciting and stimulating shades. Switch out their black and white blankie, for a bright red one, and start introducing new vibrant toys. Baby will be overawed, and their brain will continue to thrive!
What is the best music for babies brain development? ›Studies have shown that classical music brings down a newborn's heart and breathing rates and soothes their stress, and that listening to a waltz or concerto might help promote brain development, especially in premature babies.
Can a 2 month baby watch TV? ›Pediatricians generally recommend keeping children under 18 months from viewing screens. Even after that age, parents should always accompany children with TV watching and ensure they don't get too much screen time, inadvertently impacting their behavioral health.
Can I let my 2 month old stand? ›Some younger infants are able to stand up with support and bear some weight on their legs between 2 and 4 1/2 months. This is an expected and safe developmental stage that will progress to pulling up independently and won't cause them to have bow-legs.
What colors can babies see at 2 months? ›Babies begin to perceive colors more and more between 2 and 4 months old. To start, they're able to tell the difference between shades of greens and reds. The exact timing for when your baby will see these colors is individual, so there's no set week or month when it happens for all babies universally.
What happens if you don't do tummy time? ›The dangers of not doing tummy time regularly, is your baby may not develop their upper body strength and their neck muscles the way that they should. They may not hold their head up as well as others babies at their age. They can also get something called torticollis or a tightening of their neck muscles on one side.
Is it OK to let baby cry during tummy time? ›
A: It's normal if your baby cries or gets fussy when you put him on his tummy. Babies are used to spending most of their time on their backs, like while sleeping, or with their faces up. Plus, it takes muscles and strength for him to lift his head when he's on his tummy, which is hard work for a baby!
Is tummy time better on the bed or floor? ›Always stay with your baby during tummy time. Always place babies on their backs (never on their bellies) to sleep to help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Do tummy time on a low, safe surface. Don't put your baby on a sofa or bed, where they could roll off or suffocate on pillows or a soft surface.
Why does my 2 month old drool and chew his hands? ›The following are the most common signs and symptoms of teething: Drooling more than usual (drooling may start as early as age 3 months or 4 months, but is not always a sign of teething) Constantly putting fingers or fists in the mouth (babies like to chew on things whether or not they are teething)
When should you stop swaddling? ›You should stop swaddling your baby when he starts attempting to roll over. Many babies start working on this move at about 2 months old. Swaddling once your baby can roll over may increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and suffocation.
When can baby sit up? ›Most babies are able sit up with support by 8 months of age, while sitting up unassisted takes a little longer. Don't be disappointed if your baby isn't able to sit up just yet at 6 months old. Your baby is still very young, and building the necessary strength and coordination takes time.
Should I flip baby to back? ›If baby usually sleeps on their back, putting them on the stomach or side to sleep, for a nap or at night, increases the risk for SIDS by up to 45 times. So it is important for everyone who cares for babies to always place them on their backs to sleep, for naps and at night, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
What are the 5 happiest babies? ›It just so happens that there is one bundle of tricks known as the “5 S's.” Pediatrician Harvey Karp pioneered this method when he brought together five techniques that mothers have often used and organized them into this easy mnemonic: swaddle, side-stomach position, shush, swing, and suck.
What keeps a baby happy? ›Numerous studies have found that positive touch—especially slow caresses and gentle stroking—makes an infant feel safe and comfortable by reducing their cortisol level, a stress hormone, and stimulating the production of oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that's calming and promotes bonding.
How can you tell if a baby loves you? ›- They follow your voice.
- They gaze into your face.
- They snuggle into you.
- They direct noises at you.
- They smile at you.
Reading to your children, providing computer play time, helping them with their homework, being an encouragement and talking to them each day are a few things you can do to give your children a better start in life.
Why do babies smile in their sleep? ›
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) or Active Sleep
The vast majority of newborns' smiles during sleep appear to occur when the eyes are moving rapidly, as they would during a dream. Studies suggest that adults smile in response to positive dream imagery.
- Buggy fun. Can't afford to go to an exercise class? ...
- Park life. Just sitting in the park and letting your baby feel grass, watch people's dogs and other children play is enough to keep her entertained. ...
- Mini theatre. ...
- Get creative. ...
- Disco time. ...
- Start your own playgroup. ...
- Yoga how.
Glow Baby will help you track all aspects of your baby's care from bottle and breastfeeding, to diaper changes, sleep schedules, developmental milestones, medication and growth charts. Glow Baby has it all and is a trusted resource for new parents!
What does a rainbow baby do? ›A rainbow baby is a name coined for a healthy baby born after losing a baby due to miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death.
What does a bored baby look like? ›Your baby will give you little clues that they're bored, such as yawning, looking away, squirming and crying. If you think your baby's bored, show them you're listening by giving them something different to do. Move them to another area of the room, pick up a different toy or just give them a little quiet time.
What activities can you do with a two month old? ›Gently clap your baby's hands together or stretch arms (crossed, out wide, or overhead). Gently move your baby's legs as if pedaling a bicycle. Use a favorite toy for your baby to focus on and follow, or shake a rattle for your infant to find. Make different facial expressions for your baby to imitate.
What is the best bedtime for a 2 month old? ›Bedtime in newborns is naturally late, usually around 9:00pm or later, but it is important to start moving the bedtime earlier around 6/8 weeks. By 2 months, baby's last nap should be ending by 6:30pm. Bedtime should be around 6:30-8:30pm and should occur about 1-2 hours after the last nap ends.
How long are babies fussy after 2 month shots? ›Some children could feel a little unwell or unsettled for a day or two after they get their vaccinations. Most of the common reactions will last between 12 and 24 hours and then get better, with just a little bit of love and care from you at home.
Do babies sleep a lot after 2 month shots? ›Don't be surprised if your baby sleeps more than usual after receiving vaccinations. A 2011 study found that 2-month-old babies slept an average of 69 minutes more in the 24 hours after shots compared with the 24 hours before.
Can you bathe a baby after vaccinations? ›Babies and infants
They can be given a bath as normal. If the injection site is red and warm to touch, you can put a cool wet cloth (not an ice pack) on their leg or arm. If your baby feels hot, do not wrap them in too many blankets or clothes.
Why is my 2-month-old eating his hands? ›
Your baby could be chewing their hand for many reasons, from simple boredom to self-soothing, hunger, or teething. Regardless of the cause, this is a very common behavior that most babies exhibit at some point during their first months of life.
Is it bad to hold baby all day? ›Contrary to popular myth, it's impossible for parents to hold or respond to a baby too much, child development experts say. Infants need constant attention to give them the foundation to grow emotionally, physically and intellectually.
Can babies get teeth at 2 months? ›When do babies start teething? Some babies are born with their first teeth. Others start teething before they are 4 months old, and some after 12 months. But most babies start teething at around 6 months.
What are the early signs of autism in babies 2 months? ›Early signs of autism or other developmental delays include the following: 2 months: Doesn't respond to loud sounds, watch things as they move, smile at people, or bring hands to mouth. Can't hold head up when pushing up while on tummy.
Why is my 2-month-old drooling and chewing on hands? ›When your baby develops motor skills like chewing on her hands, motor receptors in her mouth send signals to the brain to initiate saliva production, a sign that she may be ready to eat. Basically, your baby develops the muscles and digestive saliva just as soon as she needs it to eat solid foods. Amazing!
What should tummy time look like at 2 months? ›- Spends at least one minute in Tummy Time several times a day without becoming upset, when otherwise happy.
- Majority of Tummy Time should be done on the floor.
- Baby may tilt their head to one side.
A baby smiling in their sleep is a completely normal reaction and an expected part of their development. If your child frequently smiles in their sleep, it could mean nothing more than a reflex reaction, or perhaps they are merely replaying a happy memory from earlier in the day.
Does a 2 month old baby recognize his mother? ›Months 2 to 4: Your baby will start to recognize her primary caregivers' faces, and by the 4-month mark, she'll recognize familiar faces and objects from a distance.
When should babies respond to their name? ›First, consider your baby's age. While some babies are able to recognize their names as early as 4 to 6 months, most should reach this point consistently by 7 to 9 months. Second, take note of consistency. Your little one should turn to look at you or vocalize (make noises) when you say their name.
What month has the most autism babies? ›However, studies of seasonality in ASD have reported mixed findings, such as an increased risk among children born in March [9]; excesses in other months [10]; or no seasonal trends at all [11, 12].
Can a baby start teething at 2 months? ›
When do babies start teething? Some babies are born with their first teeth. Others start teething before they are 4 months old, and some after 12 months. But most babies start teething at around 6 months.
How long can I let my 2 month old cry? ›Crying it out
It's OK to let your baby cry if the baby doesn't seem sick and you've tried everything to soothe your baby. You can try to leave your baby alone in a safe place, such as a crib, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Many babies need to cry before they can fall asleep.
If your baby cries or gets upset during tummy time, try not to automatically pick him up. Instead, comfort him in other ways first, like rubbing his back or singing soothing songs. Aim for about 30 minutes a day total, but you can break these up over the course of the day if your baby's really resistant.
What should a baby weigh at 2 months? ›Your 2-month-old baby's growth
The average weight of a 2-month-old baby girl is 11.3 pounds; the average baby boy at 2 months weighs in at 12.3 pounds. Height averages are 22.5 inches for girls and 23 inches for boys.