Week 8 baby developments (2 months)
It is time for your baby's two month health check. This is the first time your baby will receive multiple shots and, like most moms, you will probably come away feeling heartbroken for your baby. You can also expect some fussiness for a few days after the shots are administered. If you are concerned, the best thing to do is talk to your pediatrician about your concerns.
The eight kinds of vaccines: Check our vaccination page
DTAP – Better known as the vaccine that fights against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Your child will receive five of these shots by the time they are 6, with boosters given every 10 years after the last dose.
IVP – Better known as the vaccine that was developed to keep children from developing the paralysing disease polio. Your child will receive 4 doses of this vaccine by the time they are 6, with no boosters needed.
MMR – Better known as the vaccine that fights against measles, mumps and rubella in children. Your child will receive 2 doses of this vaccine by the time they are 6.
Var – Better known as the vaccine that fights against the chicken pox. Also, one of the newest available vaccines, you child will receive this vaccine once sometime between 12 and 18 months.
Hibv – Better known as the vaccine that fights against the deadly bacteria called hemophilus influenzae b. This vaccine will be given to your child 4 times by the time they are 15 months old.
Hep B – Better known as the vaccine that fights the chronic liver disease Hepatitis B. Your child will receive 3 doses by the time they are 18 months old.
PCV7 – Better known as the vaccine that fights pneumococcal conjugate, or the disease that causes illnesses including meningitis, pneumonia and more in children. Your child will receive 4 doses by the time they are 15 months old.
Influenza – This vaccine is given to babies older than 6 months to help prevent them from getting the flu in the cold winter months when they could succumb and end up in the hospital. This vaccine will be given once a year as recommended by your doctor.
What to expect
Like the first appointment, your baby will be weighed and measured head to toe. The doctor or nurse will also measure your baby's head for his growth charts. Your doctor will check out the baby's development and ask you questions regarding the baby lifting his head, smiling, and other milestones. The doctor will also tell you what to expect in the next couple of months.
Address any questions you have, and write down the answers or specific instructions the doctor gives you. At home, update your baby's medical record, tracking growth and any problems or illnesses.
Your baby
At this point your baby may be able to focus on small objects like cheerios, coins or buttons. Enable this step in your baby's development but be careful that your baby is not close enough that he can pick up the object. Some babies can actually grasp objects at this point, and then put the object in their mouth. Keep all choking hazards out of your baby's reach. As she has discovered the power that her hands have, she’ll want to grasp everything she sees, though she doesn’t know how to let go yet.
By now she’s able to hold her head up when she’s lying on her stomach.
Concerns: What if my baby reacts to the immunisation?
Babies react differently, but all in all the side effects are mild and shouldn’t raise any concerns. These may include a slight temperature, irritability/crankiness or they may even throw up (present for you mum), these should clear up within a day after the immunisation. Remember that the needle site will be sore and mom don’t worry if she sleeps longer than usual. Should you have any concerns do not hesitate to call your medical provider.
Why are my baby's legs bowed? Will they stay this way? Not to worry mom, baby won’t stay this way forever.
Most babies are born with curved or bowed legs. This is usually a result of the way they were "packaged" in the uterus.
(You can see this if you try to fold your baby back into the position that she was in while inside of you.) When your child starts walking, somewhere between 9 and 17 months, the bones in her legs will start to slowly reform as old bone breaks down and is replaced by new bone in different places where it's now needed to support her weight. Usually within 6 to 9 months of starting to walk, your child will have straighter legs. However if you are really concerned talk to your healthcare provider.
