Well Child Care at 2 Weeks
Feeding
Your baby is growing! At this age, a baby only needs breast
milk or infant formula. Breast-fed babies should usually feed
about 10 minutes at each breast during each feeding. Breast-
fed babies may want to nurse as often as every 2 hours. Most
babies take 2 to 3 ounces of formula every 2 to 3 hours now.
Babies should wake up at night to feed. A baby usually starts
to sleep all night between 3 and 5 months of age.
If your baby wants to feed more often, try a pacifier. Your baby
may need to suck but not feed. It is important to hold your
baby during feeding. This is a good time to talk to your baby.
Hold the bottle and do not prop it up.
Mixing formula: If you get powdered formula, mix 2 ounces of
water per 1 scoop of formula. If you use concentrated liquid
formula, always mix 1 can of formula with 1 can of tap water.
Some liquid formulas are sold ready to eat and should not be
diluted. Keep milk in the refrigerator.
Development
Babies are learning to use their eyes and ears. Smiling faces
and gentle, pleasant voices are interesting for babies at this
age.
Having a new baby is a major life change. Many mothers find
that the baby brings a lot of new work. Help from fathers,
friends, and relatives is often very important at this time. A few
mothers get the blues or even depression after a baby is born.
This may be caused by hormonal changes or your situation.
Be sure to tell someone if you are feeling this way. Ask your
baby’s healthcare provider for help.
Babies usually sleep 16 or more hours a day. Healthy babies
should be placed in bed on their backs. Sleeping on the back
reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Most babies will strain to pass bowel movements. As long as
the bowel movement is soft, there is no need to worry. Ask your
doctor about bowel movements that are hard (constipation).
Babies usually wet the diaper at least 6 times each day.
Safety Tips
Choking and Suffocation
• If you use a crib for your baby, be sure to pick a safe
location. It should not be too near a heater. Make sure
the sides are always completely up. Use a crib with slats
not more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart. Crib slats more
than 2 and 3/8 inches apart can lead to injury.
• Place your baby in bed on his back.
Falls
• Never leave the baby alone except in a crib.
• Keep mesh netting of playpens in the upright position.
Car Safety
• Car seats are the safest way for babies to travel in cars
and are required by law. Place Infant car seats in a back
seat with the infant facing backwards. If you aren’t sure
how to install the seat in your car, contact a local fire
department.
• Never leave your baby alone in a car or unsupervised
with young brothers, sisters, or pets.
Smoking
• Infants who live in a house where someone smokes
have more respiratory infections. Their symptoms are
also more severe and last longer than those of children
who live in a smoke-free home.
• If you smoke, set a quit date and stop. Set a good example
for your child. If you cannot quit, do NOT smoke in the
house or near children.
Immunizations
Immunizations protect your child against several serious, life-
threatening diseases. Shortly after birth, your child should have a hepatitis B shot.
Call your child’s healthcare provider if:
• Your baby develops a fever.
• Your child is very irritable and you cannot calm him.
Next Visit
Your baby’s next routine visit should be at the age of 1 month.
At this time your child may get a Hepatitis B vaccine. Bring
your child’s shot card to all visits.
Parent handout for baby’s first week
Written by Robert Brayden, MD., Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Pediatric Advisor 2012.2 published by RelayHealth. Last modified: 2011-09-21 Last reviewed: 2011-09-20
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
