Crying Is a Call for Help

Researchers believe that babies increase the amount of time they cry between birth and 2 months of age. That is why it’s so important to learn what the crying means and how to cope with it. When your baby is crying, use this checklist to help figure out what the cries mean:

• Does your baby have wet or soiled diapers? Check her diapers to see if she needs to be changed.

• Is she hungry? Offer her some food and see if she is ready to eat. Be sure to burp your baby often to get out air bubbles.

• Is she lonely? Call her name to let her know you are coming. She may even stop crying before you get there. If your baby calms and stays calm after you pick her up, she missed you! Your baby’s need for closeness is very real.

• Is she bored? Give your baby a new view. Change her position. Hang something over the crib that she can see but not reach. Put her where she can keep an eye on you.

• Is she tired? Some babies get fussy before falling to sleep.

• Is she too hot or too cold? Touch your baby’s tummy. If she feels too hot or too cold, adjust her clothing. Try to keep the room an even temperature — neither too hot, nor too cold.

• Is she uncomfortable? Does she have diaper rash? Leave diapers off so air can help her skin heal. Is your baby’s clothing too tight? Is a pin pricking her? Are there sharp or scratchy edges on labels or zippers?

• Is too much going on around your baby? Take her to a quiet place with dim lights. Hold her close and talk to her with your soothing voice. Rock your baby in a rocking chair.

• Is your baby having trouble calming down? Sing a gentle song over and over. Play soft, soothing music. Swaddle your baby by wrapping her in a soft, light blanket to keep her from thrashing about. Help her learn to comfort herself. Hold her hand in yours or help her find her hand to suck on.

• Could your baby have colic? Colicky babies have tummy pains and loud, piercing cries. Sometimes, this will help:
  • Lay your baby across your knees.
  • Rub or pat her back.
  • Walk with your baby or use an infant swing.
  • Change bath time to evening.
  • Try a pacifier. Sucking helps relax her stomach. If you use a pacifier, use it safely. Replace pacifiers frequently because they can fall apart. To avoid strangulation, do not put a pacifier on a string or ribbon around your baby's neck. Wash the pacifier if it falls on the floor.
  • Talk to your baby’s doctor for more ideas.

Sleep and Sleeping Patterns

At this age, babies’ sleep patterns vary a lot. Your baby may sleep anywhere from two to 10 hours at a time. He may take a few naps during the day and may even sleep for as long as seven to 10 hours at night.

Some 2-month-old babies may wake up every four hours or less to be fed — day and night. What is important is to learn your baby’s sleep pattern and understand what is normal for him.