How much sleep should 2 month old get
2-Month-Old Baby: Milestones, Sleep & Feeding Schedule
Have you noticed that your tiny newborn isn't so tiny anymore? There are many exciting growth and developmental milestones to look forward to once your baby turns 2 months old, and we’re providing a preview of some of the ones you’ll definitely want to watch for. We’ll also cover how to deal with common health concerns like diaper rash and coughs. If you’re returning to work soon, take a look at the tips and insights we've included to help make this transition go smoothly for both you and your baby.
Baby Development Milestones for a 2-Month-Old
This month will be full of discovery for your baby as they become more and more aware of the world around them. Here are some of the baby development milestones your 2-month-old baby may be approaching.
Growth and Physical Development
During these early months, babies tend to grow about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length and gain about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds in weight each month. Your baby’s healthcare provider will monitor your baby's growth rate at each checkup, noting your 2-month-old baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to make sure everything is on track. Read more about how baby growth charts are used in your baby's first 24 months.
And there's more news on growth: The soft spots on your baby's head, called the fontanelles, will begin to harden as the bones of your baby's head fuse together.
Watch Those Fingers and Toes
You may have noticed that your baby's nails seem to grow at the speed of light. You'll likely have to clip or file your baby's fingernails about once a week, and their toenails about twice a month. You may not have to worry about reminding yourself—you'll know it's time when you or your baby get scratched! Here are some tips on how to care for your baby's nails:
Use baby nail scissors or clippers, or a soft nail file
Clip your baby's nails while they’re asleep or after a relaxing bath, as their hands will be less of a moving target
Push down on the skin of the fingertip so you can safely clip just the nail, not the skin
File any rough edges after clipping the nails
If you're still unsure about how to safely cut your baby's nails, ask their healthcare provider to show you how.
Senses: Seeing the World in Color
What can babies see at 2 months old? A lot more than they could in the previous months! At 2 months old, your baby’s vision is improving. They will start to recognize objects and will love to look at familiar human faces, especially their parents’. In earlier weeks, your baby may have been drawn to simple patterns with straight lines, but soon they'll start to notice circular shapes and patterns such as bull's-eyes and spirals. Your little one is starting to see colors better, too.
How far can a 2-month-old see? Not that far just yet, although your little one will enjoy gazing at things in the distance when you head outside. Help them learn by saying aloud the names of the different objects they see, naming anything that catches their eyes, like a tree, squirrel, or playground.
Movement: Baby Squats
Although many of your baby's movements are still reflexive, your little one will gradually learn to control more of what they do.
For a while they may seem less active as some of their early reflexes fade, but new movements will start appearing that are more purposeful.
The kicks your baby may have started practicing last month will start to gather force, as you might discover if they accidentally kick you. In the coming weeks, they'll gain control of bending and straightening their knees. If you hold them upright with their feet on the ground, they might crouch down and then “stand”—and they'll soon realize they can bounce.
Your baby's hand and finger skills are also developing. Your little one may be spending more and more time with their hands unclenched, and they'll likely be fascinated by their hands as they pass by in front of them. They'll slowly develop the ability to bring their hands to their mouth—initially it might happen by accident, but eventually they will place their hands in their mouth on purpose as sucking their knuckles will be soothing. If you put a rattle in their hand they might hold onto it and even shake it, but—watch out!—they'll drop it when they get bored.
All that tummy time they’ve been putting in (with you closely supervising) will slowly start to pay off. Around this month or next, your baby will be able to push up off their arms and briefly hold their chest and head up. This is big news because it's a step toward greater independence for your little one. Gaining this skill will mean being able to look around at whatever interests them, even when they’re lying on their tummy.
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Personality: Muh-muh-muh-muh
Your baby's personality will reveal itself more and more each day. It will start to show in the way they communicate using facial expressions, vocalizations, and even gestures. For example, if you smile at them and they feel happy, they might smile right back at you. Around this time, they might start to happily amuse themselves by making all kinds of strange new sounds. You might hear “muh-muh” and “bah-bah,” and “aahs” and “oohs.” Have conversations with them repeating these sounds back to them.
“Baby talk” is important at this stage, but add in real words, too. All along, they will be learning that conversation is a two-way street where each person takes turns, and each contribution is important.
As the weeks progress, your baby will be more alert to your tone of voice and will be able to get an idea of your mood by how you talk to them. Your voice also helps signal what's to come, so tell them what you're doing when you're changing their diaper, taking them out for a walk, or bathing them.
Soon your baby won't only be smiling: They'll be squealing or laughing in delight. But don't be surprised if your baby isn't as responsive to strangers. Parents and siblings will be your baby’s favorites, and probably other regular visitors. Just like adults, your little one has their preferences, too!
Activities for Supporting Your 2-Month-Old Baby’s Development
Playing and interacting with you will have a huge role in your baby's brain development and early learning. If you’re wondering what a 2-month-old “should” be doing or what to do with your baby all day, here are some activities you could do together:
Read to your baby.
Even if they don't fully understand all the words, your baby is listening to the sounds you're making, and they’re learning about tone and pacing, for example. Don't hesitate to read the same book over and over—babies love repetition.Have a conversation. Respond to your baby's coos and aahs, and initiate conversation by telling them what you're up to. When they “talk,” try not to interrupt or look away. Your attention tells them that their voice is important too and helps build trust.
Continue tummy time. Give your baby short periods of tummy time each day to help strengthen their neck, arm, and shoulder muscles. Tummy time involves laying your baby on their tummy on a firm surface like the floor, making sure you're staying close to them and watching.
Introduce a variety of sounds. Play your baby music or give them toys that make different sounds when touched. Let them listen to the sounds of everyday life, too. For example, have them safely nearby as you do household chores.
Watch the short video below to learn more about the importance of “baby talk,” reading to your baby, and other language development tips.
Feeding Your 2-Month-Old Baby
Two-month-old babies need to be fed whenever they’re hungry, so your 2-month-old’s feeding schedule should be based on their hunger signs. Your baby will show you they’re ready to eat by making sucking motions, moving their hands to their mouth, whimpering, or flexing their arms and hands. And for a rough idea of how often a 2-month-old baby eats, that's usually about six to eight times a day.
It's best to focus on your baby’s signs of fullness to know when they’re done feeding rather than worrying about how much a 2-month-old “should” eat. Keep an eye out for the signs they’ve had enough, such as slowing down, stopping sucking, or turning away. You can probably tell your baby is generally eating well if they doze off after a feeding but seems alert, content, and active between feedings.
If you’re wondering how long “should” a 2-month-old sleep at night without eating, at this stage, babies often sleep longer at night and need feeding less often. So, your baby may be able to sleep for a longer stretch before a nighttime feeding. You might be able to skip one middle-of-the-night feeding; as your baby’s stomach capacity grows, they may not be hungry again until early morning.
Tracking Wet and Dirty Diapers
The number of diapers you change gives you clues about whether your baby is healthy and is getting enough to eat. Your baby may pee anywhere from once every couple of hours to only once every four to six hours.
If you’re asking yourself “How many wet diapers does a 2-month-old produce,” there is no exact number since every baby is different. However, fewer than six wet diapers may be a sign of mild dehydration. Pay attention to how many diapers your baby typically goes through. If there is a significant drop in the number of wet diapers or your baby’s mouth seems dry, they may be dehydrated.
If you’re in any doubt, consult your baby’s healthcare provider.
There is no “correct” number when it comes to poopy diapers either. So, don’t focus on how much your 2-month-old “should” poop since the frequency can vary. Two-month-old babies can poop anywhere from several times a day to only once a week. If your baby is pooping less than normal but the stools are soft and your baby is otherwise healthy, there may not be any cause for concern. Still, if you’re worried, your baby’s healthcare provider will be able to check whether everything is OK.
As you’ve no doubt realized, your baby’s going through plenty of diapers. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to download the Pampers Club app so you can get great rewards for all those diapers you’re buying.
How Much Sleep Does a 2-Month-Old Baby Need?
Are you asking yourself, “How many hours ‘should’ a 2-month-old baby sleep”? At 2 months old, your newborn baby may sleep about 14 to 17 hours over a 24-hour period.
This is just a general range, and your 2-month-old baby’s sleep and nap schedule may be slightly different.
So, how long “should” a 2-month-old sleep at night or nap during the day? Your baby may spend more time alert and awake during the day, and although they may want fewer naps, these naps might be a little longer in duration. At this stage, some (but not all) babies even manage to sleep through the night, meaning about six to eight hours in one stretch.
Good sleep routines—regular bedtimes and naptimes, and restful sleeping periods—give your 2-month-old a great start in life, contributing to their general health and well-being. Although it can take a while for evening routines to become established, you can help your baby head in the right direction by making nighttime feeds as quiet as possible. For example, keep the lighting low, don’t speak much or loudly, and after the feeding and a quick diaper change put them right back to sleep on their back to help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Get Help Setting Up a Bedtime Routine
To help you establish a consistent bedtime routine, check out the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers. Codeveloped with pediatric sleep experts and packed with articles that explain your baby’s development, the Smart Sleep Coach app includes a powerful sleep tracking tool that suggests the best times for your baby to nap and sleep. Plus, the Smart Sleep Coach’s exclusive algorithm customizes sleep-coaching approaches based on your input and your baby’s unique sleep patterns.
A Day in the Life of Your 2-Month-Old Baby
Your 2-month-old baby’s daily schedule may include simple routines for sleeping, feeding, bathing, and playing. Here’s one example of what a typical day might look like:
Your Baby’s Health
Some health issues you may encounter this month may include:
Diaper rash. A wet or soiled diaper that touches your baby’s skin for too long can cause a red rash on the diaper area.
To combat diaper rash, change wet or poopy diapers as soon as possible, clean the area with wipes at each change, and expose your baby’s bottom to air whenever possible. These steps will help the rash clear up and help prevent it from reoccurring.Heat rash. These tiny, red bumps typically occur in hot and humid weather, usually on the neck, arms, legs, or diaper area. Don’t apply skin ointments; instead, cool the area with water, then completely dry the skin, dress your baby in cool, dry clothing, and try to keep them out of the heat. With this kind of care, heat rash typically goes away after a few days.
Eczema. If your baby has red, itchy, scaly patches of skin in the crooks of the elbows and knees, it could be eczema. Your baby’s healthcare provider can make a diagnosis and will recommend treatment options. It may help to use mild, unscented baby soaps on your baby and their clothes and sheets, and to dress them in soft clothes.
If you’re asking yourself “How often should I bathe my 2-month-old baby”? Bathe them three times a week at the most.Coughing. If you notice your 2-month-old baby coughing, it’s a sign that their airways are irritated. Coughs can be triggered by many kinds of respiratory illnesses, from the common cold to pneumonia. It’s a good idea to reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider if your little one is coughing; if coughing is accompanied by fever or a difficulty in breathing, take your baby to their healthcare provider right away for treatment or advice.
Development Tips for Your Baby This Month
Here are some tips that can help you bond with your 2-month-old baby and foster a feeling of safety and security, as well as contribute to their well-being and healthy intellectual development:
Provide warm and consistent physical contact. Hugging your baby often makes your baby feel safe and loved.
Continued skin-to-skin contact is also important. Read to your baby every day. Reading helps set the stage for language development in babies. Reading in the evening before bed is the perfect opportunity to also create a calming bedtime routine.
Narrate your day as you talk to your baby. Use simple-to-understand phrases to narrate your actions as you interact with your baby, such as during dressing, diaper changes, bathing, and feeding times. Respond to your baby’s faces and gestures because it’s in fact a conversation! If you or your partner speak a foreign language, start using it with your baby.
Show your baby colorful objects of different shapes, sizes, and textures. These can include sensory toys, rattles, or plush toys (be sure the toys are suitable for a 2-month-old baby). You may also like to show your baby picture books and family photo albums.
Get in tune to your baby’s mood. You know your baby best: their preferences and aversions.
Read and respond to their cues, for example, such as when they're hungry or tired, happy or upset.
Items You Will Need This Month
You may already own some necessary baby gear like a crib, changing table, and stroller, but here are some additional items it may be worth purchasing if you haven’t already:
Baby books. Now’s the time to dig out your favorite children’s book from your own childhood or repurchase some of the classics as well as some of the latest titles.
Sound machine. If your baby needs help falling asleep, you might like to try using very soft music or white noise to help lull them to sleep.
Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream. You’ll continue to use a lot of diapers in the coming months, so being well-stocked with diapering supplies is a good idea.
Baby nail clippers. You may be surprised how fast your baby’s fingernails grow.
Baby nail clippers can make trimming them a breeze.Humidifier. A comfortable sleeping temperature and humidity is very important for your baby, especially if they happen to have a cold.
Night-light. A night-light will make those late-night feedings and check-ins much easier, and you won’t wake up your baby by turning on an overhead light.
Baby thermometer. A thermometer specifically designed for babies is a must-have. Plus, make sure that your first-aid kit is up to date.
Your Life as a Parent: Returning to Work
Depending on your situation, different factors may come into play as you decide if and when to go back to work, including your finances, maternity leave options, and general family considerations. If you can, allow yourself some flexibility as you may change your mind about your return to work when the time comes. Whenever you do return to work, it’s natural to feel sad, anxious, or concerned about how your baby will adjust.
If your partner is not staying home with your baby, the key is to find child care that you feel comfortable with and that your baby thrives under. You might also consider getting additional help at home so you can spend that precious home time with your baby without additional distractions.
Organizing Child Care
You may have multiple sources and forms of child care that you could consider, including
your parents or other relatives
a babysitter
a day care center
in-home care, either solely for your baby or in a group with other children
a nanny
or a combination of the above.
As you search for child care, focus on ensuring that your baby will be happy and developing well under the care you select. Ask other parents or your baby’s healthcare provider for referrals. Speak to potential caregivers at length, observe them with your baby for a day or two, check their references and do background checks, and trust your instincts.
You should always keep a watchful eye that your baby is doing well and reevaluate your choice if needed.
Expressing Breast Milk at Work
Returning to work can be stressful for some women and may reduce your breast milk supply (as may other sources of stress), particularly if you are not able to pump as much as you would like. By law, your employer must allow you time and a space—other than a bathroom—for you to express breast milk until your baby turns 1 year old. If you are concerned your milk supply may be running low, read up on how to increase breast milk supply and contact your healthcare provider or lactation consultant for help.
Finding Help at Home
As you return to work—or simply because you need an extra pair of helping hands—you may need help with cooking, household chores, or errands. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Make sure you have someone you trust who will relieve the load, not add to it
Figure out when you’ll need help and make sure the helper can reliably commit to this schedule
Be clear about what you need help with and consider having it in writing
Ask for enough warning if the helper can’t make it or if they are sick
Have a plan B like a babysitter or neighbor you can call to jump in at the last minute
Consider getting a background check and checking for a valid driver’s license
If the person’s role includes caring for your baby, ask the caregiver to complete a baby first-aid course.
Checklist for This Month
If you’re returning to work, finalize your child-care plans.
Create a list of a few trusted babysitters.
It's time for your baby's 2-month-old checkup. During these regular checkups your baby’s healthcare provider will track your baby’s growth, do a physical exam, ask you how you are doing, answer any of your questions, and schedule or give any immunizations your baby may need. In between these appointments, keep a list of any questions or concerns you have.
Start looking ahead—check out what kinds of things may happen when your baby is 3 months old.
Turning 3 months old is a big day for your little one. Download and print these milestone cards to celebrate and share the news with friends and family.
For even more information, sign up to get our regular emails:
2 Month Old Sleep Schedule
You’ve reached the two-month mark with your sweet baby, and both of you have learned so much already.
Let me show you a 2 month old sleep and feeding schedule and answer the most common questions I get about two month olds.
First, when it comes to sleep and feeding, my motto is “flexible routine, not rigid schedule.” We want to work with babies right where they are developmentally, which means watching your baby's wake windows and cues rather than trying to follow an exact schedule.
What are wake windows for a 2 month old?#
A baby’s wake window is simply how long they stay awake between naps. At two months, your baby will need about 60-90 minute wake windows.
When they're closer to 8 weeks, your baby's wake windows might be on the shorter end of that range, but as your baby gets closer to 12 weeks, you'll see those wake windows expand to the longer end of the range. We also see that wake windows are often shortest in the morning and grow throughout the day, with the longest wake window before bedtime.
Remember that wake windows are a guide.
Sleepy cues will help you best know when your baby is ready for sleep. If you’re not sure whether your baby is tired at 60 or 90 minutes, watch for sleepy cues to know when it’s time to put him down for a nap or go to bed.
What is a sample schedule for a 2 month old?#
An example of a sleep and feeding schedule for two month olds could look like this:
Keep in mind: this is just an example of how a day could play out, and you should NOT try to follow it exactly. Instead, know that you’ll adjust your day based on your baby’s nap lengths, hunger cues, and sleepy cues.
What are developmental milestones for a 2 month old?#
It’s exciting as a parent to watch your baby learn new things! Please keep in mind that milestones aren’t deadlines your baby has to meet. Milestones are based on ranges, and every baby is different. If your sister’s baby started smiling at 8 weeks, but your baby hasn’t, there is no need to panic.
That first beautiful smile could be days away! If you have any concerns about your baby hitting her milestones, make sure to speak with your pediatrician.
At two months old, your baby may start to:
Move her head back and forth more easily laying on her back
Hold his head up for about 2 seconds during tummy time
Cry to ask for attention
Smile at the sound of your voice or other familiar caregivers
Make “pre-talking” noises like squealing and gurgling
Try to grab her feet or stare at her hands
How do I play with a 2 month old? #
Now that your baby’s wake windows are a bit longer, there's more time for “play.” At 2 months old, everything can be play – making funny faces at your baby, going for a walk, or looking at board books together. There's no need for complicated activities!
I do have some favorite toys for a two month old you can find in my Amazon store.
I also have a blog on baby play for newborns that can give you more ideas if you need a bit of inspiration.
Why is my 2 month old suddenly so fussy? #
It can be so normal to see an increase in fussing and crying around 6-8 weeks. Maybe you're wondering if you have a colicky baby.
If you’re noticing your baby is often fussy in the late afternoon or early evening, you might be experiencing the witching hour. Read my blog on the Witching Hour for Babies to learn more about it and how to work through it.
If your baby seems fussy all the time, rarely content, you might be seeing a sign of a physical need. The three most common we see at this age are overtiredness, hunger, or discomfort like reflux. Pay close attention to your baby's cues and follow up with your baby's doctor if you're seeing a constantly fussy baby.
Why does my 2 month old fight sleep?#
When babies fight sleep, this is usually a result of being overtired or overstimulated.
Watch those wake windows (60-90 minutes) and sleepy cues to make sure your baby is going down for a nap or bedtime when sleepy.
If you’re still struggling with getting your baby to sleep, my First Five Months Bundle lays everything out with all my best tips and leads you step-by-step towards sleep success. I can help you lay a healthy foundation that will make your baby a great little sleeper without any crying.
How do I get my 2 month old to sleep in a crib or bassinet?#
Here are some tips to help your two month old sleep in a crib or bassinet:
Practice one nap each day in the crib to help your baby get comfortable.
When practicing, start with a calm baby so they’re more responsive.
Watch those wake windows and sleepy cues so your baby goes for a nap or bedtime before getting cranky.
Set up a successful sleep environment by making the room dark, using a sound machine to block out outside noises, setting the room at a comfortable temperature, and having your baby in comfy clothing.
Swaddle your baby if appropriate.
Use a bedtime routine to cue your baby that it’s time to get ready to sleep.
If you find that you're relying on baby loungers, sleep positioners, or holding your baby all night long, please check out my blog on Ditching Unsafe Sleep Products. I can show you how to move in the direction of safe sleep.
What is a good nap for a 2 month old? Can a 2 month old nap too long?#
There is a wide range of “normal” with a two month old’s naps. Healthy, normal naps can range from 20 minutes to 2 hours. My blog on Short Naps and Newborns will walk you through all of the things to consider if your baby is taking short naps regularly.
If your baby likes to nap on the longer end, I recommend you wake him up after 2 hours. I know you've probably heard that you should never wake sleeping baby, but I’ll encourage you to go ahead and do it. Babies need that important awake time to ensure they get the number of calories they need during the day, to keep their development on track, to help them with day-night confusion, and to work towards longer stretches of sleep at night.
How much total sleep should a 2 month old have?#
At two months old, we’re still following your baby’s lead with how much sleep they need. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Don’t let any one nap go longer than 2 hours.
Aim for wake windows around 60-90 minutes.
Don’t let your baby’s night last any longer than 12-12.5 hours.
When is bedtime for a 2 month old?#
There isn't a universal answer to this. Some newborns do best with a 7:00-8:00 pm bedtime. These newborns, when kept up past 8:00 pm, start to become fussy and overtired. On the other hand, some babies thrive with a nap around 7:00 pm and bedtime between 8:00 and 10:00 pm. It’s all about finding what works for your baby. If you need a bit more guidance, check out my blog on False Start Bedtimes, which can help you choose the best option.
Is there a sleep regression at 2 months old?#
Sleep regressions are simply a progression in development that makes sleep tricky for a short period.
Though your baby is learning and progressing every day, we rarely see a sleep regression at two months old.
There are a few common sleep struggles at two months old that can make it feel like a sleep regression (but it’s not). If you’re dealing with sleep struggles, ask yourself:
Is your baby getting full feedings or only snacking during the day? If your baby isn’t getting all of his day calories, this could be why he’s waking more during the night.
Is your baby actually awake or going through a period of active sleep? Babies experience REM sleep differently than we do, and what appears to be an awake baby could just be a sign of active sleep.
Can my 2 month old sleep with a pacifier?#
Yes! Pacifiers have so many benefits for babies: They’re a great tool for sleep and may even reduce the risk of SIDS. My Newborns Sleeping with Pacifiers blog is all about how to introduce pacifiers, concerns about their use if you’re breastfeeding, and what to do if your baby becomes dependent on them for sleep.
Should I swaddle my 2 month old? #
It’s safe to swaddle babies as long as they’re not showing signs of rolling. I have a whole blog on swaddling that answers questions like why you should swaddle and how to swaddle safely to give you a deeper understanding of swaddling and why I recommend it for newborns.
I also have a blog for you if your baby always seems to be fighting the swaddle and another if you do see those signs of rolling and need to transition out of the swaddle.
Can a 2 month old sleep on their stomach? #
Newborns should not be placed on their tummies to sleep. Babies need to be laid on their backs to sleep for the first twelve months. Once a baby can roll themselves from back to belly, most pediatricians agree it’s safe for them to sleep on their stomachs. But you want to always lay your baby on her back first and allow her to roll over on her own. Keep in mind that tummy sleep is never safe for a swaddled baby.
What should my 2 month old wear for sleep?#
This all depends on the temperature of your home. For warmer homes, a swaddle and diaper may be all a baby needs. While in a cooler home, they may need a diaper, footie pajamas, and swaddle. We don’t want your baby to get too warm since overheating is dangerous, but if it’s too cold, your baby won’t sleep well. Read my blog on how to dress your baby for comfortable sleep for a better understanding of room temperature and sleepwear.
What is a bedtime routine for a 2 month old?#
A bedtime routine is a great way to help your baby understand the day is ending. Around 8 weeks, some babies start to notice that the bedtime routine means sleep is coming. If you haven’t started using a bedtime routine yet, now is a great time to start.
For your bedtime routine, you can try something like bath, lotion, feeding, reading a book, singing a song, and then putting your baby to bed. It’s up to you and what works for your family.
If this seems like too much, then make it shorter. You can also add in an activity that’s important to your family, like bedtime prayers.
Can I sleep train my 2 month old? #
Formal sleep training is not developmentally appropriate at two months old. Please know that my newborn class does not include any sleep training. I’ll show you how to work on laying that healthy sleep foundation and getting longer stretches of sleep at night all while meeting your baby right where she is developmentally with no crying involved.
When do babies start sleeping through the night? #
As much as I know you want to hear a specific age for when your baby will start sleeping through the night, there isn’t one. Every baby is different.
If you’re not getting any good stretches of sleep at night, check out my First Five Months Bundle. It will help you navigate newborn sleep, work on longer stretches of night sleep, and give you the tools you need to make sleep successful as your baby grows.
I want you to love the newborn stage!
Still have a 1 month old? Check out 1 month sleep schedules. Already have a 3 month old? I've got you covered with my 3 month sleep schedules.
Children's Clinical Medical Center of Chita
Sadly, pediatricians are increasingly stating the fact that modern children do not get enough sleep. And the lack of sleep in a child is much more dangerous than the lack of sleep in an adult. Children who sleep significantly less than normal grow more slowly and develop worse than their peers. This is easily explained.
First, growth hormones are produced during sleep.
Secondly, a good sound sleep contributes to a better memorization of previously received information. nine0005
Thirdly, general weakness due to lack of sleep makes it difficult to fully assimilate information.
In addition, the immune system is weakened in children with little sleep and the likelihood of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system increases.
Sleep-deprived children become nervous, absent-minded, fussy. This applies to all children, regardless of their age: Babies and teenagers alike should sleep well.
Parents are obligated to provide their child with adequate and healthy sleep. nine0005
For children, as for adults, the normal amount of sleep is individual. Some kids sleep more, some less. The figures given by doctors are an average. In general, they should strive for. These figures reflect the total amount of sleep per day, that is, taking into account both night sleep and daytime sleep.
- Newborn baby sleeps an average of 18-22 hours a day.
- Baby from 1 to 3 months old sleeps 18-20 hours. nine0025 - A 3-4 month old baby can sleep 17-18 hours.
- A 5-6 month old baby must sleep at least 16 hours.
- Baby 7 to 12 months old sleeps 14 to 16 hours a day.
- A child from 1 to 1.
5 years old must sleep at least 10-11 hours at night and 3-4 hours during the day. In general, at least 14 hours a day.
- A child from one and a half to 2 years old must sleep at least 10-11 hours at night and 2-3 hours during the day. In general, at least 13 hours a day. nine0025 - Child 2 to 3 years old must sleep at least 10-11 hours at night and 2-2.5 hours during the day. In general, at least 12.5 hours a day.
- Children 3-4 years old should sleep at least 10 hours at night and 2 hours during the day. In general, at least 12 hours a day.
- Children 5 to 7 years old should sleep at least 9-10 hours at night and 1.5-2 hours during the day. In general, at least 10.5-11 hours a day.
- Pupils of elementary school may not sleep during the day. At night, they should sleep at least 9 hours, preferably 10 hours. nine0025 - Adolescent needs at least 9 hours of sleep per night.
- high school students should sleep an average of 8 hours per night.
In order for the child to get enough sleep, it is necessary to follow the regimen and put him to bed at the same time. This is especially true for night sleep. Make it a rule to put the child to bed, for example, at 21 o'clock. And never deviate from this rule. Let there be guests in the house, let the child become interested in the game, let the parents have things to do - everything should be postponed for the sake of the child's sleep. If he gets used to going to bed at the same time, nothing will prevent him from relaxing in time and wanting to sleep. No game will seem more attractive to him than a fresh warm bed and a cozy pillow. nine0005
2. Preparation for sleep, relaxation, rituals.
In order for the child to fall asleep easily and quickly, already an hour or two before bedtime, he must be in a calm atmosphere. Noisy games, difficult puzzles, intellectual tasks, homework preparation, computer games, watching noisy long movies and cartoons, listening to loud music, etc.
- all this should end an hour or two before going to bed. The kid at this time can calmly play with toys or listen to a fairy tale read by his mother. An older child can read by himself, chat with his parents, watch a calm movie. Yes, and not so much time will be left for quiet leisure, because direct preparation for sleep will require a lot of time. It is necessary to take a shower, brush your teeth, straighten the bed, change into pajamas, drink some water, etc. The same actions performed day after day before going to bed become a kind of ritual, the performance of which also helps the child tune in to sleep. And this, in turn, contributes to faster and deeper falling asleep and, as a result, better rest. If, for example, a few sips of water before bedtime suddenly become a habit, do not try to wean your child from it. Let this be your ritual helper. If a child is used to parents reading a fairy tale to him, then he needs to read, regardless of employment. nine0005
3. Lightness in the stomach.
The last meal should be 2 hours before bedtime (this does not apply to infants and children who are breastfed). Shortly before bedtime, a child can drink a cup of tea with 1-2 cookies or a glass of kefir, but not with a high-calorie sandwich. Firstly, with ease in the body falls asleep more soundly. Secondly, dense high-calorie snacks before bedtime are bad for the stomach.
4. Comfortable atmosphere in the room.
The room must be well ventilated before putting the child to bed. If the room is dry, after airing it is worth turning on the humidifier and bringing the humidity level to an acceptable level. When the child goes to bed, you need to turn off the light, you can leave a dim nightlight if the baby asks for it. In no case should children be put to bed with the TV turned on or a flickering computer monitor. However, it is impossible to turn on the TV, the overhead light and the sound of the computer speakers even after the child falls asleep. Light noises and light may not wake him up, but they will make the child's sleep superficial, because of this, the body will not get proper rest.
If this happens consistently, the child will show signs of sleep deprivation. That is, he seems to be sleeping as much as necessary, but still does not get enough sleep. The reason is the lack of conditions. The room where the child sleeps should be fresh, dark and quiet. nine0005
Sleep is very important for a child's normal growth and brain development, and regular lack of sleep can lead to serious illnesses. Create conditions for your baby to fall asleep and carefully make sure that nothing interferes with his full sleep.
day and night
06/16/2015
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of the table and sleep norms
monthsAuthority0005
Elena Muradova
Elena Muradova
Head of the BabySleep Center, the first sleep consultant in Russia, author of the BabySleep methodology
Mother of three children
By 2 months, the child gets used to life in a new world and begins to actively adapt to it.
He has improved perception and reactions, he learns to control his body, which significantly adds in size. But the baby still cannot stay awake for a long time and therefore sleeps most of the day. During sleep, he recuperates after new dizzying experiences, so he needs a healthy and sound sleep for normal development. nine0005
Since a clear sleep schedule is not yet out of the question at this age, it is important to carefully monitor your baby and help him fall asleep on time before he gets tired. More details about the norms of sleep and wakefulness, selected for a two-month-old baby - later in the article.
0–4 months. Establish sleep in 3 weeks
How much a child sleeps at 2 months
Features of sleep crumbs are largely determined by his temperament, but there are numbers that you can focus on. At this age, sleep usually accounts for about 15-16 hours a day, of which 5-6 hours the child sleeps during the day and 8-10 hours at night.
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There are also changes in the rhythm of sleep: there is a tendency to fall asleep earlier and increase uninterrupted night sleep: this is due to biological changes in the body.
As a rule, the wakefulness of a baby at 2 months is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from waking up to falling asleep again, that is, this time period includes not only communication and games with the child, but also feeding, getting ready for bed and laying down.
Since this is the age of active mental development, the level of anxiety may increase in the child, the mood may worsen not only in the evening, and going to bed can take too long. Children with a naturally low level of anxiety experience this less intensely than restless babies with the so-called "difficult" temperament. The latter are easily overexcited due to their natural sensitivity, they are more difficult to console, they sleep less and irregularly. nine0005
In any case, it is pointless to accustom a baby to a certain routine at two months, it is much more important at this age to observe a more or less stable rhythm of sleep and wakefulness and to carefully monitor signs of fatigue and possible causes of discomfort.
Stage of development
A child's sleep is directly affected by changes in his body, both physical and mental. A new world becomes available to a newborn, filled with observations and phenomena. In this process, all his senses are involved, so there is a jump in mental development. nine0005
The increase in height and weight in the 2nd month of a child's life is often the greatest compared to other months. By this age, normally, he should gain approximately 1000–1500 g of weight and approximately 5 cm of height relative to his figures at the time of his birth. In premature babies, the numbers are different. One way or another, the pediatrician monitors the norms for increasing the height and weight of the child and gives individual recommendations.
Around 7-8 weeks, the circumference of the baby's head increases dramatically due to the active growth of the brain. nine0005
At the age of 2 months, a child's eyesight improves, so there are conscious reactions to parents, objects around.
For the first time, the child realizes that he has pens, and examines them with interest, pays attention to moving objects - follows him with his eyes and focuses his attention.
Hearing in a two-month-old baby is also getting better. He begins to react to sources of noise and even to distinguish intonations of the voice - to be frightened by screams and sharp sounds, to relax with quiet, measured speech. nine0005
Closer to two months, the child establishes a relationship between the sounds he makes and the fact that he is given attention. Gradually, more and more of his actions begin to have a consistent research character.
The reflexes invested by nature from birth are being replaced by awareness of actions. At 2 months, the baby begins to grab objects that are next to him with his hands. It is at this age that one of the most joyful events in the life of parents most often occurs - the baby for the first time gives them a conscious smile, and sometimes even laughs.
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By the age of 2 months, the back and neck muscles of an infant develop when held correctly. This allows him, being in a vertical position, to keep his head up on his own, but sometimes it can tilt back - the baby has not mastered this ability to the end, and it is worthwhile to "insure" him for now.
Tip of the month
Sometimes a child's daytime nap becomes very short - 20-40 minutes. So, 40-minute sleeps are the lower limit of norms, but still do not allow the child to fully recover and withstand the waking time corresponding to the age norm without overwork. nine0155
From time to time, such short dreams (20-30 or 40-45 minutes) occur in almost all children at this age. But sometimes daytime naps become exceptionally short and obviously uncomfortable for the child (this can be expressed by crying when waking up, falling into a tantrum or whims). Perhaps some errors have crept into your two-month-old baby's wake and sleep patterns.
First of all, it is necessary to exclude the possibility that such dreams are a symptom of the disease. Often the cause for excitement is prompted by intuition. If something is bothering you, you should contact your pediatrician or pediatric neurologist. Another reason may be accumulated fatigue from regular sleep deprivation. If none of these apply to your little one, try to extend your short naps throughout the day and keep a close eye on signs of fatigue, avoiding "over-walking" - a common cause of short naps. nine0005
If it's hard for parents to find a conditioned, flexible, and child-friendly sleep schedule, American pediatrician and well-known baby sleep expert Professor Mark Weissbluth suggests keeping a sleep diary that records baby's sleep or non-sleep. By recording the events of the day and time when the child slept, you can compare how certain circumstances affect your baby's sleep, track his progress and not give up in case of failure.
How to usefully communicate with a two-month-old baby
It is useful at this age to introduce daily walks in the fresh air, avoiding exposure to the open sun in summer, as well as in too much frost in winter (below 10 degrees Celsius).
In the baby’s body, the production of the sleep hormone melatonin begins, and for this process it is important to have a large amount of bright light in the daytime.
When you are awake, you must definitely devote time to developing games and communication with your baby. Everything familiar to you in this world for a baby is completely new, completely amazing, completely exciting! Talk to him, talk about the things that you look at together, read books with beautiful pictures, talk about your feelings for him, about what you are doing. So you give him care and warmth, besides, you will introduce him to the pace and intonations of speech. However, remember that an excess of emotional stress leads to restless sleep. nine0005
Normal physical and, most importantly, mental development of a child depends on communication with parents, primarily with mother. In the first months of life, the main task of any activity in which the baby is involved is to improve the skills of perceiving the world around.
Introduce him to pleasant sounds, smells, tactile sensations from touch, but not too intense so that he is not frightened.
The baby can already follow objects at a distance of 20 to 30 centimeters, so as one of the entertainment options for a 2-month-old baby, a soft hanging rattle with an elastic band over the baby's bed is suitable. It will be interesting for the child to watch how she bounces funny when pulling, and try to grab her with her hands. Of course, remember safety! nine0005
By the age of two months, the baby begins to take on human faces. Try to look at the baby while feeding and talk to him affectionately so that he observes your facial expressions. Cute human faces cut out of cardboard will also please the child.
Active games should be played with the baby in the first half of the day, and in the evening it is better to leave calm, relaxing activities.
| | Daytime sleep |
| Usually a two-month-old baby sleeps about 4-6 times during the day, the duration of dreams is from 40 minutes to 2 hours. In the nervous system of a small child, excitatory processes prevail over inhibitory ones, that is, it is difficult for him to calm down himself. And that is why it is so important to ensure that the baby does not “go over the top”. If the baby cannot fall asleep in 10-15 minutes, cries and falls asleep for a long time even with a breast, most likely he has been awake for too long. It's okay, almost all parents experience similar situations. Moreover, fixing it is not as difficult as it might seem. nine0005 In the second month, the baby struggles with sleep in order to interact more with you. No matter how touching it may be, he needs to get his sleep rate: take care of the baby's health and postpone the games for later. To lay down the "overdone" crumbs, you can resort to the use of special relaxing methods (for example, turning on white noise, rhythmic motion sickness, and others). If the baby's indicators at birth were normal, he is gaining weight well, then there is usually no need to wake him up during the day for feeding. The exceptions are if the child sleeps continuously for more than 5 hours, because of which his blood glucose level may drop. | |
| | Night sleep |
| nine0182 | At 2 months, the baby begins to have a biologically determined tendency to go to bed early and sleep longer at night. A schedule of bedtime and sleep that is strictly tied to the clock is still useless - you should focus on the rhythms natural for your child and signs of fatigue between 19 and 22 hours. This is the usual time for the second month of readiness for a night's sleep. It is already easier for parents to detect signs of fatigue in advance before the child begins to act up. nine0005 At night, the baby still wakes up to eat, sometimes several times.     Welcome
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Optimal wakefulness at this age lasts no longer than 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
Try to avoid "overshoots" in the future. 
