2 Month Old Baby and His Head Begins to Hold Up

baby

The time spent raising a child in the early postpartum period can pass in a blink of an eye. In particular, the time passes very quickly until 2 months of age, so it may not seem like a very impressive time.

However, babies continue to grow rapidly during this period, and it is also a time when mothers need to pay attention to their health after birth. Here we will discuss the growth of the baby during the first two months of life.

Growth of a 2-month-old baby

Mothers and fathers who have been continuously nervous about unfamiliar childcare will gradually feel more relaxed after completing the newborn period and clearing the one-month checkup. Nevertheless, babies continue to grow without a break, and what they can do is gradually increase. In order not to miss any precious moments, it is important to know what kind of growth is seen in a two-month-old baby.

Weight and growth of a 2-month-old baby

Average weight gain of 30 grams per day

Babies around 2 months of age gain an average of 30 grams per day. Although their growth rate is slightly slower than that of newborns, they are growing rapidly every day.

Also, around 2 months of age, since the baby is still less active than the body growth, subcutaneous fat is noticeable, and it is common for the baby to have a cute chubby, baby-like body shape.

The growth of a baby varies greatly from person to person. Especially around 2 to 3 months of age, the number of children with a chubby-like baby body shape increases, causing parents of slim and small babies to wonder, “Is my child growing too slowly? “Is my baby not getting enough breast milk?” or “Is my baby not getting enough breast milk?

However, according to the aforementioned Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare survey, there is no problem as long as the weight range is between 4.41 and 7.18 kg for boys and between 4.19 and 6.67 kg for girls. The upper and lower limits of the range are about 2.5 kg, but this is a huge difference for babies, and a baby weighing a little over 4 kg will feel “one size fits all” compared to a baby weighing around 7 kg.

As a parent, you may be very concerned about the speed of your baby’s growth. However, a baby’s growth speed is one of its personality. In most cases, if the baby is drinking breast milk or formula well and has no significant weight loss or growth retardation, it does not matter if the baby is slightly bigger or smaller.

There is no medical checkup for infants at 2 months of age. If you are really concerned, weigh the baby (without renting or buying a scale, you can find the baby’s approximate weight by holding the baby and weighing the baby together and subtracting the parent’s weight) and check the growth curve in the mother-child handbook to see if the baby is within the normal range.

Preparation for the acquisition of “head hold up”

Although motor functions are still immature at around 2 months of age, the baby’s muscles are much stronger than in the newborn period. They often flap their arms and legs, and if you take your eyes off them for a moment, you will probably see more and more of them taking off their clothes or something.

This period around the age of two months is an important time for the child to acquire “head holding up”. Head holding up is an important motor function that leads to later turning over and sitting up. On average, it is said that the baby acquires it around 3 to 4 months of age, but from around 2 months of age, the baby will begin to “try to raise its face when it is on its stomach” and “move its neck from side to side” 

In order for the head to hold up, muscular strength is needed not only in the neck but also in the back and shoulders. Therefore, from around 2 months of age, it is a good idea to encourage exercise that strengthens these muscles.

We especially recommend “face-down practice”. Babies who are placed on their stomachs try their best to raise their heads using muscles in various parts of the body, including the neck, back, and arms. As a result, the muscles necessary for “holding up the head” can be effectively exercised.

On the other hand, it has been reported that face-down positioning can cause sudden infant death syndrome. It is true that some people do not allow their children to sit on their stomachs for fear of this risk. However, there is little danger if the following five points are observed. While carefully observing the baby’s condition, incorporate practices for “head holding up” at the baby’s pace.

  • Do it on a hard base such as the floor.
  • Do not place sheets, towels, etc., around the children.
  • Do not let your child out of your sight during practice.
  • Avoid using the baby when it is in a bad mood or after breastfeeding.
  • Do not let the child sleep.

Conclusion

After 2 months pass, your baby is growing, and be ready to practice holding up the head. You will see the significant growth of your baby and you will learn many things from your baby as well. This moment is only one-time in your baby’s life, so please pay attention and enjoy it.

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