Bright Futures Parent Handout: 2 Month Visit

How Your Family is Doing

• If you are worried about your living or food situation, talk with us. Community agencies and programs such as WIC and SNAP can also provide information and assistance.

• Find ways to spend time with your partner. Keep in touch with family and friends.

• Find safe, loving child care for your baby. You can ask us for help.

• Know that it is normal to feel sad about leaving your baby with a caregiver or putting him into child care.

Feeding Your Baby

• Feed your baby only breast milk or iron-fortified formula until she is about 6 months old.

• Avoid feeding your baby solid foods, juice, and water until she is about 6 months old.

• Feed your baby when you see signs of hunger. Look for her to

  • Put her hand to her mouth.

  • Suck, root, and fuss.

• Stop feeding when you see signs your baby is full. You can tell when she

  • Turns away

  • Closes her mouth

  • Relaxes her arms and hands

  • Burp your baby during natural feeding breaks.

If Breastfeeding

• Feed your baby on demand. Expect to breastfeed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.

• Give your baby vitamin D drops (400 IU a day).

• Continue to take your prenatal vitamin with iron.

• Eat a healthy diet.

• Plan for pumping and storing breast milk. Let us know if you need help.

  • If you pump, be sure to store your milk properly so it stays safe for your baby. If you have questions, ask us.

If Formula Feeding

• Feed your baby on demand. Expect her to eat about 6 to 8 times each day, or 26 to 28 oz of formula per day.

• Make sure to prepare, heat, and store the formula safely. If you need help, ask us.

• Hold your baby so you can look at each other when you feed her.

• Always hold the bottle. Never prop it.

How You are Feeling

• Take care of yourself so you have the energy to care for your baby.

• Talk with me or call for help if you feel sad or very tired for more than a few days.

• Find small but safe ways for your other children to help with the baby, such as bringing you things you need or holding the baby's hand.

• Spend special time with each child reading, talking, and doing things together.

Your Growing Baby

• Have simple routines each day for bathing, feeding, sleeping, and playing.

• Hold, talk to, cuddle, read to, sing to, and play often with your baby. This helps you connect with and relate to your baby.

• Learn what your baby does and does not like.

• Develop a schedule for naps and bedtime. Put him to bed awake but drowsy so he learns to fall asleep on his own.

• Don't have a TV on in the background or use a TV or other digital media to calm your baby.

• Put your baby on his tummy for short periods of playtime. Don't leave him alone during tummy time or allow him to sleep on his tummy.

• Notice what helps calm your baby, such as a pacifier, his fingers, or his thumb. Stroking, talking, rocking, or going for walks may also work.

• Never hit or shake your baby.

Safety

• Use a rear-facing–only car safety seat in the back seat of all vehicles.

• Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger airbag.

• Your baby's safety depends on you. Always wear your lap and shoulder seat belt. Never drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Never text or use a cell phone while driving.

• Always put your baby to sleep on her back in her own crib, not your bed.

  • Your baby should sleep in your room until she is at least 6 months old.

  • Make sure your baby's crib or sleep surface meets the most recent safety guidelines.

• If you choose to use a mesh playpen, get one made after February 28, 2013.

• Swaddling should not be used after 2 months of age.

• Prevent scalds or burns. Don't drink hot liquids while holding your baby.

• Prevent tap water burns. Set the water heater so the temperature at the faucet is at or below 120°F /49°C.

• Keep a hand on your baby when dressing or changing her on a changing table, couch, or bed.

• Never leave your baby alone in bathwater, even in a bath seat or ring.

What to Expect at Your Baby's 4 Month Visit

We will talk about

• Caring for your baby, your family, and yourself

• Creating routines and spending time with your baby

• Keeping teeth healthy

• Feeding your baby

• Keeping your baby safe at home and in the car