What are babies doing at 1-2 months?

Around this time, most babies cry and fuss more. This is a typical part of development and will pass in time. It usually peaks around 6-8 weeks and starts to settle at around 12-16 weeks.

Smiling

Your baby starts smiling from about 6 weeks old.

Also, they can recognise you and respond to your smile and voice. This is part of creating a strong bond with you.

Seeing and hearing

Your baby can see objects about 45 cm away. They’ll watch you move around now, following you with their eyes from side to side as well as up and down.

Your 2-month-old is more alert to sound and will look at you when you talk. Your baby is also more vocal, gurgling and making single vowel sounds like ‘a’ or ‘o’.

When it’s time for a feed, your baby might open their mouth when they see the breast or bottle.

Moving

Your baby is getting better at moving. When they’re on their tummy, you might see them lift their head and turn it from side to side. Your baby might even lift their chest off the ground.

Your baby has also discovered they have fingers and hands! By now they’ll have their hands open half the time and can hold onto a rattle when you put it in their hand. Your baby might also hold both hands together.

Your child’s brain develops connections faster in the first 5 years than at any other time in their life. Stimulating and caring environments with plenty of different activities help to build these connections and lay the foundations for learning, health and behaviour throughout life.

How can you help your baby grow and develop at 1-2 months?

Hold and cuddle your baby

This helps your baby feel safe and secure. It can also help with bonding between you and your baby.

Play with your baby

Talking, singing and reading and telling stories are great play activities for newborns. Gentle play every day strengthens the bond between you and helps your baby’s brain to grow. It also helps your baby get familiar with sounds and words, which lays the foundation for language and communication skills.

Smile!

Smiling at your baby makes them feel good, safe and secure. It also helps their brain develop and builds attachment to you.

Make eye contact

When you get your baby to follow your eyes, it encourages them to turn their head. This builds your baby’s neck strength and head control. Changing your baby’s position encourages them to turn their head to both sides.

Try tummy time

Start with 1-2 minutes of tummy time and build up to 10-15 minutes several times a day. This builds your baby’s head, neck and upper body muscles, which are important for sitting and standing later. Always watch your baby during tummy time, and put your baby on their back to sleep.

Try baby massage

Baby massage is a great way to bond with your baby. It can also be relaxing and soothing for your baby. Gently massaging your baby’s back can also help your baby get used to being on their tummy.

Sometimes your baby won’t want to do these things. For example, they might be too tired or hungry. Your baby will use baby cues to let you know when they’ve had enough and what they need.

Why do babies cry and how can you respond?

Sometimes you’ll know why your baby is crying. When you respond to crying – for example, by feeding your baby if they’re hungry – they feel comfortable and safe.

Sometimes you might not know why your baby is crying, but it’s still important to comfort your baby. You can’t spoil your baby by picking them up, cuddling them or talking to them in a soothing voice.

Never shake a baby. If you feel like you can’t cope or you might hurt your baby, gently put your baby down somewhere safe. Take deep breaths to calm down. Get support by talking to a family member or friend or by calling a parenting helpline or Lifeline on 131 114.

How to care for a 2-month-old baby and look after yourself

Every day you and your baby will learn a little more about each other. As your baby grows and develops, you’ll learn more about what your baby needs and how you can meet their needs.

As a parent, you’re always learning. It’s OK to feel confident about what you know. And it’s OK to admit you don’t know something and ask questions or get help.

It’s also important to look after yourself. Looking after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally is good for you, and it’s good for your baby. When you’re well, you can give your baby the loving attention they need to grow and thrive. You can also cope better if your baby is crying a lot.

Part of looking after yourself is asking for help, especially if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or angry. There are many people who can support you and your baby, including your partner, friends, relatives, child and family health nurse and GP. It’s a good idea to have a list of these people with their contact details. Put the list on your fridge, so it’s easy to find if you need it.

When to be concerned about baby development at 2 months

You know your baby best. So it’s a good idea to see your child and family health nurse or GP if you have any concerns or notice that your 2-month-old has any of the following issues.

Seeing, hearing and communicating

Your baby:

  • is crying a lot and is difficult to soothe, and this is worrying you
  • isn’t watching faces or looking you in the eyes, even for a short time
  • isn’t responding to bright light or can’t focus their eyes on something
  • isn’t hearing things – for example, isn’t startling to loud sounds or turning their head towards sounds
  • isn’t making sounds like gurgling.

Behaviour and movement

Your baby:

  • isn’t feeding well
  • seems very tired
  • is sleeping more than is typical for newborn sleep
  • isn’t beginning to smile
  • isn’t moving their arms or legs.

Also see your nurse or GP if you have signs of postnatal anxiety, postnatal depression in birthing mothers or postnatal depression in non-birthing parents. With help and support, you can manage symptoms, feel better sooner, and give your baby what they need to develop well.

Development happens in a similar order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. If you’re wondering whether your baby’s development is on track or you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s best to get help early. See your child and family health nurse or GP.

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