Well Child Care at 2 Weeks

Related topics

Feeding

Your baby is growing! At this age, a baby only needs breast milk or infant formula. Most babies take 2 to 3 ounces of formula every 2 to 3 hours now. 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. Babies usually wake up at night to feed. This is normal. 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 use concentrated liquid formula, always mix 1 can of formula with 1 can of tap water. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator. If you get powdered formula, mix 2 ounces of water per 1 scoop of formula.

Development

Babies are learning to use their eyes and ears. Smiling faces and gentle, pleasant voices are interesting for babies at this age.

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.

Normal Development: 2 Weeks

Sleep

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).

Bowel and Bladder

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

Car seats are the safest way for babies to travel in cars and are required by law. Infant car seats should be placed in a back seat with the infant facing backwards. Never leave your baby alone in a car or unsupervised with young brothers, sisters, or pets.

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. Crib slats more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart can lead to injury.

Mesh netting of playpens should always be in the upright position.

Call your child's health care provider if:

Your baby develops a fever.
Your child is very irritable and you cannot calm him.
You feel depressed or overwhelmed. Having a new baby is a major life change and hormonal changes may lead to postpartum depression.

Next Visit

Your baby's next appointment will usually be at the age of 2 months. At this time your child will get a set of immunizations. Be sure to bring a shot card from the hospital if you have one.

Back to Index

Written by Robert Brayden, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.