Two Months In: Building Bonds and Boosting Baby's Growth
Two months in, and what a journey it’s been!
By now you’re probably getting more smiles (yes, the real ones!) and starting to get a sense of your baby’s unique personality. My own first baby tortured me by not smiling until she was almost 3 months but I remember it being SO worth the wait once we finally got there.
This stage is filled with rapid growth and you might be seeing many tiny milestones on a day-to-day basis. Your baby is developing at a mile a minute and so are you!
You are 8 weeks into being a parent, maybe for the first time, and look at how far you have come!
Milestones to Celebrate This Month
At two months, babies are learning to engage with the world in new ways. They’re also showing us how capable they are of forming connections. While every baby grows at their own pace, here’s what you might notice:
Smiles That Melt Your Heart
Your baby is likely starting to smile back when you smile or talk to them. Those moments aren’t just adorable—they’re also signs that your baby is bonding with you and learning social cues.Making Sense of the World
From coos and gurgles to tracking your face with their eyes, your baby is experimenting with communication and focusing on what matters most (hint: it’s you).Mini Workout Sessions
During tummy time, you might see them lifting their head and even pushing up a little with their arms. These tiny movements are building strength for big milestones like rolling and crawling.Curiosity and Connection
Babies at this age love looking at faces and responding to sounds. You might notice them following a toy or turning toward your voice.
If some of these milestones aren’t happening yet, don’t worry—babies grow at their own unique pace. If you have concerns, your pediatrician is always a great resource for reassurance and guidance.
How You Can Support Your Baby’s Development
You don’t need fancy gadgets or complicated routines to help your baby grow—your presence and care are the most powerful tools you have. Here are a few ways to support their development while building your connection:
Tummy Time: A Little Goes a Long Way
Tummy time can feel like a chore (for both of you!), but it’s an important way to help your baby strengthen their neck and shoulders. Start small—just a minute or two at a time—and work your way up. Lay on the floor with them or use a mirror or high contrast toys to make it more engaging.Talk, Sing, and Make Eye Contact
Your voice is your baby’s favorite sound. Talk to them about your day, sing silly songs, or just narrate what you’re doing. These little moments help your baby learn language and feel connected. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Something I didn’t realize early on was that even cooking dinner with my baby close by and talking to them about the process IS supporting their development and parent-child bonding.Follow Their Lead
Babies are incredible at showing us what they need. Pay attention to what lights them up—a favorite toy, your smile, or even a colorful book. These interactions don’t just entertain them; they’re helping their brain grow.Create Calm, Secure Spaces
Whether it’s snuggling after a feed or rocking them to sleep, these quiet moments are just as important as the active ones. Your baby feels safe and loved when you respond to their cues, and that trust is the foundation for all their learning.
Resources for the Journey
If you’re looking for extra support, I recommend checking out Bright by Text. It’s a free service that sends age-specific tips and activities directly to your phone, tailored to your baby’s milestones. Sometimes, a little nudge or new idea is all we need to feel inspired on new ways to engage or tips to help us understand what’s going on with our littles.
You’ve Got This
Parenting at this stage is as much about learning as it is about loving. You’re getting to know your baby’s rhythms, discovering what works for your family, and making decisions that feel right for you.
As your friendly maternal mental health therapist and doula, I want to remind you that you have what it takes to do this job (even if you feel a bit unqualified at times)—allow yourself to trust your intuition and reach out for support when needed.
