Week-by-week library · about 2 months old
Week 8
Quick answer
What is my baby up to at about 2 months old?
This week, many babies are lifting their head to 45 degrees and holding a smile like they mean it.
What's developing
Motor
By around two months, many babies can lift their head to about 45 degrees during tummy time and are gaining more head steadiness when held upright (AAP).
Social
The social smile is well established for most babies by now, along with more sustained eye contact.
Communication
Cooing in response to your voice, a real back-and-forth "conversation" of sounds, often shows up around this age.
Try this together this week
- Prop tummy time on a rolled towel under the chest for a slightly easier angle if head lifting is still tiring for them.
- Narrate a whole routine (diaper change, bath) in an animated voice; two-month-olds often respond well to varied tone.
- A crinkly or high-contrast toy just within reach during tummy time to encourage lifting and reaching.
- Start noticing a loose day/night rhythm forming; it is normal for it to still be inconsistent.
What parents often notice
This is often the two-month checkup window, when a lot of parents get reassurance from their pediatrician about feeding, sleep, and growth all at once.
Sourced to
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org
Last reviewed by the This Week Baby editorial team.