Month 2 of 12 · Window 1 · Settling in
Your 2-month-old baby: milestones and what to expect
Two months brings the first official CDC milestone stop — and usually the first real social smile, which arrives just in time to save morale. Crying typically peaks and starts easing this month. The first round of vaccinations lands now too.
Checked against CDC, NHS and AAP guidance · how we fact-check
Most babies do these by 2 months (CDC)
Social & emotional: Calms down when spoken to or picked up · looks at your face · seems happy to see you · smiles when you talk to them.
Language & communication: Makes sounds other than crying · reacts to loud sounds.
Movement & thinking: Watches you as you move · looks at a toy for several seconds · holds head up when on tummy · moves both arms and both legs · opens hands briefly.
What you might notice
Crying and fussing normally build over these first weeks, and research described a notably fussy stretch around week 5. Wanting to be held constantly is normal at this age, not a bad habit. Parents in the original study also reported temporary dips in sleep during fussy weeks.
What can help this month
Carrying and holding a lot right now is not spoiling: wanting closeness is normal at this stage. A carrier or wrap can free up your hands during the fussiest hours (use it safely). Gentle background noise settles some babies; if you swaddle, follow safe-sleep guidance like the Lullaby Trust's. Trade off with a partner or support person in shifts if you can, and it is okay to set your baby down safely and step away for a few minutes if you need to reset.
And you: Your calm is the tool. If you feel yourself fraying, put your baby down somewhere safe and take five minutes. A rested-enough parent settles a baby faster than an exhausted one.
Talk with your pediatrician if…
Your baby is missing one or more of the milestones above by 2 months, or has lost skills they once had. That is the CDC's own advice: don't wait, talk with the doctor and ask about developmental screening. And if you're simply worried, that's reason enough to call.
Coming up: after this window comes "waking up to the world" (weeks 8 to 17). No deadlines — windows.
Week by week, if you want the detail
This month roughly covers week 5 · week 6 · week 7 · week 8 · week 9. Each page has that week's specifics on your baby's calendar.
Want the personal version?
This page covers what's typical at 2 months in general. For your own baby's map — including adjusted age for premature babies — run the free forecast.
See my baby's exact forecastSources: CDC milestone checklists (2022 revision) · Zubler et al., Pediatrics 2022 · van de Rijt-Plooij & Plooij, 1992 (via KNAW review) · Sadurní & Rostan, 2002. Timing varies a lot between babies — windows, not deadlines.