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Development Starting at birth, babies learn many things. Some babies develop certain skills faster or slower than others, which is normal. Providing a safe environment where your baby can explore, learn, and grow will help promote your baby’s development. By 2 months of age your baby should begin to: Smile and enjoy looking at your face Make gurgling and cooing sounds Stay awake for longer periods during the day Suck on his or her fingers Lift his or her head a little when placed on stomach Move both arms and legs the same Turn head towards sounds YOUR BABY AT 2 MONTHS Immunizations Due First Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) Hepatitis B First Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) First Pneumococcal First Polio First Rotavirus All new mothers, household members, and childcare providers of a newborn should be vaccinated against influenza and Pertussis (Tdap). This will help protect the baby from these diseases. Speak with your physician or call the Cortland County Health Department at 753-5028 about vaccination. If these immunizations are not fully covered by the person’s insurance, the Cortland County Health Department may be able to provide these at little to no cost. Safety Considerations Do not smoke or allow other people to smoke around your baby. Babies exposed to smoke often have many more health problems. See the attached brochure for information to help protect your baby. To prevent Sudden Infant Death (SIDS), the back is the safest sleeping position for infants. Make sure that the mattress is firm with no pillows, bumper pads or stuffed animals in the crib or blankets near your baby's head. For more information on SIDS, visit http://www.sids-network.org Traffic injuries are one of the major threats to your child's health. Always use a rear-facing infant car seat installed properly in the back seat of the car. For free help installing your baby’s car seat, call the Sheriff’s Department at [PHONE REDACTED]. For a low-cost car seat, call the Traveling Tots Program in Cortland at [PHONE REDACTED]. Never leave an infant alone on a high surface such as a bed, changing table, or couch. Never leave an infant alone in a car. Brothers and sisters will want to help or play with the baby. Teach them how to play gently and always watch when they are near the baby. Revised 4/2014 … a childhood immunization project Aimed at a healthier community. IN COOPERATION WITH: ---PAGE BREAK--- HELPFUL HINTS You may want to take this newsletter to your baby’s 2-month check up to use as a reminder list of immunizations that are due or topics that may need discussion. Talk, read, sing, and play music to your baby. This helps him or her to develop and understand language and sounds. When your baby makes a sound, answer by repeating and adding to those sounds. Spend time cuddling. This is important for emotional bonding and helps your baby feel cared for and secure. Breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby. At this time, your baby should be drinking only breast milk or formula, unless otherwise instructed by your baby’s doctor. For information and assistance with breastfeeding, contact the Cortland Regional Medical Center Lactation Consultants at [PHONE REDACTED] or a WIC Peer Counselor at [PHONE REDACTED]. Remember, always place babies on their backs to sleep. When your baby is awake, provide him or her with “tummy time” to play for a few minutes several times a day. Increase the time as your baby tolerates it. This is important to strengthen your baby’s neck and arm muscles. Tummy time should be supervised, interactive, and on a firm flat surface during the baby’s waking hours. Being a good parent is hard work. If you are frustrated and need help, call the Parent Helpline anytime at 1-[PHONE REDACTED]. Someone will listen to you and give you information to help you. Find a doctor for your child. This is an important step in protecting your baby's health. Your doctor will do regular well child check-ups and immunizations, as well as sick care for your child. Keep immunization and testing records. Keep a written record of all immunizations and testing done for your child. Take the records with you on each visit to your doctor or clinic and get them updated. The immunizations are also put in an electronic program by your doctor’s office so they will be available if you change doctors. Are you going back to work? If you plan to return to work, you will need a safe place to bring your baby while you are away. The Child Development Council – Cortland Office can give you the names of registered and certified day care providers. You may contact them at [PHONE REDACTED]. Insurance coverage: A 1994 New York State law requires most private insurance companies to cover the costs of preventive care, including the immunizations and lab tests ordered for your baby. There are no deductibles or co-payments. Health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, Child Health Plus is an insurance program that provides coverage for well and sick care of children. It also provides basic dental care. The cost is determined by your income. For some families there will be no cost. Whatever your income, the premiums are lower than those of other insurance companies. All children need this protection! For more information or to apply call the Official Health Plan Market Place 1-[PHONE REDACTED] or apply online at: For in person assistance, visit website, click Get Help and Navigator locations. Developmental concerns. Parents know their babies best and are in the best position to observe and report what their babies are doing. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, contact your doctor or call the Cortland County Early Intervention Program at [PHONE REDACTED]. For more information about Cortland County Health Department programs, visit our website at: www.cchd.cortland-co.org Reproduction of this newsletter is not permitted without authorization from the Cortland County Health Department. Revised 04/2014