Your baby in the first 2 months

By the time your baby’s 2 months old, you’ll be starting to get to know each other. The first 2 months can be both magical and overwhelming – usually in equal measure.

Your life together may have started to settle into a pattern. Don’t worry if other babies you meet are doing different things – everyone’s different.

Developing a routine

It’s still early days so don’t expect to be in a regular routine. Don’t force it, in coming weeks and months it will happen.

So much takes place during your baby’s first 2 months. What they can do and when will depend on lots of things, such as their:

• genetics
• personality
• health
• day-to-day life with you

You’ll be given a personal child health record called the Red Book. You can use it to record information about your baby’s growth, development, tests and immunisations.

Baby’s milestones

At 2 months old your baby may be able to:

• smile on purpose, blow bubbles and coo when you talk or gently play together
• copy your facial expressions – stick your tongue out or make funny faces and see if they copy you
• reach for you when they need attention, security or comfort
• stretch and kick more vigorously as the weeks go by
• move their limbs more or slow down their sucking rhythm when they hear familiar household noises like footsteps or running bath water
• begin to face straight ahead while lying on their back
• lift their head while lying on their tummy – their head will be wobbly at first, so it will be several weeks before they can do this

They should also be able to respond to the sound of your voice or loud noises by blinking, startling, frowning or waking from a light sleep.

Your 6 week check

When your baby’s around 6 weeks old, you’ll be asked to see your GP. All mums and babies have this 6-week check.

It helps make sure you’re both healthy and any issues are picked up early. You can ask any questions and to talk about how you’re feeling.

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Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.

If you need a different language or format, please contact phs.otherformats@phs.scot.

• Ready Steady Baby guide. Available in Arabic, Polish, Simplified Chinese (Mandarin) and Ukrainian
• Ready Steady Baby guide. Available in English (Easy Read)