Week 7
It may feel like you were just at the pediatrician's office and now you're headed back again. Your baby will visit the doctor for more routine checkups in his first year than in any other year of his life.
The point of these visits is to make sure your baby is growing, developing normally, and staying healthy. They are also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about your child's development, safety, immunizations, and nutrition.
Here are some of the questions parents ask at the two-month well-baby visit that your doctor will be able to address:
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Is my baby eating enough?
Pediatricians generally recommend feeding babies whenever they seem hungry. If your baby is having problems gaining weight, your pediatrician will probably advise not to go too long without feeding, even if it means waking your baby. At about 2 months, your baby probably should be taking around 4 ounces at each feeding, and both breast and bottle feedings should be at least every 3 to 4 hours during the day with longer stretches at night. -
If my baby rolls over while sleeping, is there a danger of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?
Infants should be placed on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Most babies aren’t able to roll over by themselves until around 4 months of age. By that time, the chances of SIDS are reduced. If your baby can roll over, let her. -
How much should my baby be peeing and pooping now?
At around two months, your baby should have at least four to six wet diapers a day. If you are breastfeeding, your baby’s stools should be soft and slightly runny. If you are formula-feeding, your baby’s stools will probably be a little firmer, but should not be hard or formed. The frequency of poopy diapers may range from a few each day day to once every few days. The color can also vary but should never be red, white, or black. -
When will my baby start sleeping through the night without a feeding?
At about three months, most babies will sleep around 15 hours in a 24-hour period. Most babies will take 2 to 3 naps during the day, followed by a longer stretch during the night after a late-night feeding. The definition of "sleeping through the night" at this stage is only about 5 hours and ranges from baby to baby. -
Should I be giving my baby vitamins if I’m breastfeeding?
Breastfed infants should be getting vitamin D supplements starting soon after birth, but additional supplements, water, juice, and solid foods usually aren't necessary. Your pediatrician will recommend what’s best for you and your baby.
Your Baby's Development This Week
Can you believe it? Your baby is almost 2 months old! How quickly the weeks are flying by!
Each day, your baby is growing and developing. His little hands, which once waved helplessly, are now moving with some purpose. They may be doing things like:
- Grasping objects
- Swatting at objects dangling in front of him
- Shaking toys
Week 7 Tips
- To avoid spit-ups, keep your baby calm during feedings and give him just a little milk or formula at a time.
- After each feeding, burp your baby to release excess gas. Keep him sitting upright for a few minutes before laying him in his crib.
- Many new moms feel a little down after their baby is born. If you still have the blues now that your baby is 7 weeks old, call your doctor -- you could have postpartum depression.
- Keep stuffed animals, pillows, comforters, and any other soft objects out of your baby's crib. To keep him warm, dress him in thicker pajamas.
- No matter how hard your baby cries, never shake him -- it could cause permanent brain damage. Get help with your frustration from a doctor, friend, or relative.
- It’s best, for your baby’s sake, to avoid alcohol at least 2 hours (per drink) before breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk. That gives your body time to rid itself of the alcohol before the next feeding. If you are going to drink, consider that exposing your infant to alcohol via breastmilk may be dangerous. Chronic alcohol consumption may also reduce milk production.”
- Got a fussy baby? Aim for a consistent eat-sleep schedule. Avoid situations that you know make him cry.