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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 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 flu and pertussis/ whooping cough (Tdap). This will help protect the baby from these diseases. Speak with your doctor or call the Cortland County Health Department at 753-5028 about vaccination. If these immunizations are not 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. http://www.cortland-co.org/DocumentCenter/View/3232 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. 9 out of 10 parents do not use car seats correctly. For free help installing your baby’s car seat and education on the proper use of child safety seats, call the Traveling Tots Program in Cortland at 758-5509. Never leave an infant alone in a car. Never leave an infant alone on a high surface such as a bed, changing table, or couch. 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. Healthy Beginnings … for a healthier community. ---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. For additional helpful information go to from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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. Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for your baby and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 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 a certified lactation counselor at Cortland County Health Department, Maternal Child Health Program [PHONE REDACTED]. They can also tell you about other breastfeeding resources available to you in the community. If you plan to return to work, talk with your supervisor or Human Resources to find a private place to express milk. Many companies provide a lactation program with a dedicated private lactation room for expressing milk. Most employers are happy to provide the support you need. Feel free to contact the Cortland County Breastfeeding Partnership @ [PHONE REDACTED] if you would like to talk more about this. Care for your baby’s gums and teeth. Gently clean your baby’s gums after every feeding with a clean, soft damp cloth or a baby toothbrush. This is done even before the first tooth comes in. When you see the first teeth, gently brush with a soft baby toothbrush and a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste. Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle, it can cause tooth decay from the milk pooling in your baby’s mouth. Germs can pass from your mouth to your baby’s mouth, including those that cause cavities. If your baby’s pacifier falls on the floor, clean it with water. 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 you baby’s neck and arm muscles. Tummy time should be supervised, interactive, and on a firm flat surface during baby’s waking hours. Being a good parent is hard work. If you are frustrated and need help, please 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. 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. In 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 or your children do not have health insurance, the Health Insurance Marketplace can help you get coverage, and you can add dental to a health plan. 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. To apply call the official Health Plan Marketplace at 1-[PHONE REDACTED] or visit 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 baby is doing. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, contact your doctor or call the Cortland County Early Intervention Program at [PHONE REDACTED]. Reproduction of this newsletter is not permitted without authorization from the Cortland County Health Department. Revised 4/2017