What to expect at your baby’s 2 months checkup

Weigh and measure your  baby : You need to undress your baby completely so that he can be weighed.  His  length and head circumference will also be taken and plotted on a growth chart. This chart enables them to compare your baby with other children of the same age. It doesnt really matter if your child is on the 5th or 90th percentile, as long as he is growing steadily.

Complete physical : The doctor will do the following :

• check your baby lungs and heart. He will use a stethoscope to check for any abnormal heart rhythms and breathing problems
• check the ears for any infection and  how the baby responds to sound
• the eyes  of your baby will be checked for any congenital eye problem and other problems. He may also check for blocked tear duct
• he will check the shape of your baby’s head . This is a good time to  catch the development of a flat spot on the baby’s head. The soft spot ( fontanelle) on your baby’s head will also be evaluated
• he will look out for signs of thrush in your baby’s mouth
• he will press gently on the your baby’s belly to check for any enlarged organs or abdominal hernia
• the doctor will check your baby’s reflexes and muscle tone and skin for  rashes
• he will open your baby’s diaper and check for signs of infection
•  he will move your baby’s legs around to look for signs of hip problems

Immunization : Your baby will receive the following shot

• pneumococcal
• DTaP
• Hib
• polio
• rotavirus ( this is given orally )

She will also get the second hepatitis B vaccine now if he didn’t get it at his  1 month check up.

Your doctor will recommend giving your baby vitamin D supplement drops to breastfed babies. Babies who drink 17 to 32 ounces of formula a day are getting enough vitamin D.

He will also address and any questions and concerns you may have.

Some of the questions your doctor may ask you include the following :

1. How is your baby sleeping : Your baby should be awake for longer periods and be more alert during the day. Most babies start sleeping longer during the night, maybe 4 to 5 hours stretch
2. How well is your baby eating : Most babies eat every 2 to 3 hours during the second month. They may begin to eat less after this month. He will ask you questions to help him determine if your baby is getting more formula or breastmilk
3. Your baby’s peeing and pooping :Babies have several wet diapers a day and tend to have fewer poop diapers . Breastfed babies tend to have a more soft and slightly runny poop. The stool of formula fed babies tend to be firmer but not hard. Dry pellet stool may be a sign of dehydration or constipation
4. Development : It is common for babies at this age to do the following
   • be alert to sound
   • hold his head up while on his  belly
   • smile in responds to be talked to, smiled at or played with
   • focus on faces and objects and be able to track it from one side to another
   • gurgle or coo
   • grasp a rattle placed within the hand
   • recognize parent’s faces and voices

You have to know that children develop at different rates. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.