Your baby

Your once tiny baby is already getting bigger and stronger. At two months old, your baby may lift his head and roll over when placed on his tummy. By three months, he may already be able to hold his head and back straight when supported.

As your baby’s muscles get stronger, he’ll begin to enjoy kicking and waving his arms when excited. You may also notice that these movements become more controlled, rather than just reflex actions. Although many movements are still not under his control, from 2 months onwards, he may begin 'swiping' for objects.

Your baby’s eyesight is getting better all the time – and your face will probably be his favourite view! Your may notice your baby watching your face closely and following you with his eyes when you move away. At around 2 months, your baby may reward you with that wonderful first smile!

Hopefully by now, your baby is easing into a more regular sleeping routine, with 3-4 hours between feeds. But unless you’re very lucky, those night time feeds are still a long way from over…

Your progress

Even as you recuperate physically from giving birth, you may find the other stresses of motherhood take longer to recover from. On the one hand you’re never alone, on the other hand you may feel quite isolated. You may have relished the prospect of being at home with your baby, yet now your feel knee deep in domestic duties.

The endless demands of nappy changes, feeds and sleeps (or lack of) can really start to become exhausting. Even leaving the house is a major expedition. And if you’re used to organising your routine, you’ll probably find your baby much harder to control and schedule!

If you’ve led a free and easy lifestyle until now, you may find the sudden new responsibility of caring for your baby totally overwhelming at times. But… it really does get easier – little by little, in baby steps. And one day you’ll look back with nostalgia about those special early days. Well maybe!

Things to think about or try

Music is a great way to interact with your baby. Singing and rocking your baby makes him feel safe and secure, encouraging bonding, while providing wonderful stimulation - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Feeling rhythm also helps babies to learn how their bodies are organised, to learn to balance and gain muscle control. It could even help their logical and language development.

But of course, you don’t have to be a diva to enjoy music with your baby. You can put on a CD and dance together, share nursery rhymes or finger plays, or just sing as you go about your daily routines. When it’s time for bed, a gentle lullaby will soon set the tone for a peaceful night’s sleep.