:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/babys-first-year-08-5ba29194c9e77c0057cff781.png "1-2 Month Old Baby Development: What to Expect")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/babys-first-year-08-5ba29194c9e77c0057cff781.png?w=640&ssl=1)
As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to keep track of your baby’s development milestones. During your baby’s first two months, they will undergo significant changes in their physical and cognitive abilities. In this article, we will discuss what to expect during 1-2 month old baby development.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
During the first month, babies typically gain between 1.5 to 2 pounds and grow around 1 inch in length. By the second month, they should have gained an additional 2-4 pounds and grown up to 2 inches in length. Your baby’s head will also continue to grow, and you may notice a soft spot on the top of their head known as the fontanelle. This is normal, as the skull has not fully formed yet.
Your baby’s motor skills will also progress during this period. In the first month, babies will start to gain control of their neck muscles and can lift their head briefly during tummy time. By the second month, they will begin to hold their head up for longer periods of time and may even push themselves up on their arms during tummy time. You may also notice your baby kicking and waving their arms more frequently as they gain better control of their limbs.
Sensory Development
Newborns can only see objects clearly within 8-10 inches of their face. However, by the end of the first month, they will start to focus on objects up to 3 feet away. Your baby’s vision will continue to improve during the second month, and they may begin to track moving objects with their eyes.
Your baby’s sense of hearing will also improve during this period. They will start to differentiate between different sounds and may even turn their head towards the sound of your voice. You may also notice your baby becoming more sensitive to loud noises and startling more easily.
Cognitive Development
During the first two months, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly. They will start to recognize familiar faces and may even smile in response to your voice or touch. Your baby will also start to mimic facial expressions and gestures, such as sticking out their tongue or opening their mouth.
As their cognitive abilities develop, your baby may also start to exhibit a wider range of emotions. They may cry when they are hungry, tired, or uncomfortable, and may also smile or coo when they are happy or content.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I feed my 1-2 month old baby?
Newborns typically need to be fed every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times per day. As your baby grows, they may start to go longer between feedings and may eventually drop some nighttime feedings.
2. How much sleep should my baby be getting?
During the first two months, babies typically sleep for 14-17 hours per day, with periods of around 2-4 hours at a time. It is normal for babies to wake up frequently during the night for feedings or diaper changes.
3. How can I promote my baby’s development?
Interacting with your baby through talking, singing, and playing can help promote their cognitive and social development. You can also encourage their physical development by providing tummy time and engaging in activities that encourage them to reach and grasp objects.
4. When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
If you notice significant delays in your baby’s physical or cognitive development, such as not reaching milestones or not making eye contact, it is important to speak with your pediatrician. However, every baby develops at their own pace, and some may reach milestones earlier or later than others.
5. Should I be worried if my baby doesn’t seem to be smiling yet?
Babies typically start to smile in response to familiar faces and voices around 6-8 weeks old. However, every baby is different, and some may take longer to reach this milestone. If you are concerned, speaking with your pediatrician can help provide reassurance.
In conclusion, 1-2 month old baby development is a time of rapid growth and change. By understanding what to expect during this period, you can better support your baby’s development and enjoy watching them reach new milestones.