“Children acquire knowledge through their experience in the environment.”
– Maria Montessori
At just two months old, babies still seem so tiny! But look at how your little one has already grown and changed! They are learning to hold their head up, and their neck muscles are getting stronger. They are also starting to grasp and hold objects, sleeping less, observing the room more, and interacting more actively with parents and siblings. At two months, babies already recognize their mom and dad and may even respond to them differently — reaching out to one and smiling more at the other. It is truly an exciting period where, beyond love and care, your baby is beginning to need more interaction with their family.
While children at this age are not yet playing or learning in the traditional sense, they are entering a phase of active exploration. Maria Montessori's concept of the “absorbent mind” perfectly describes this— even when it seems like the baby doesn't understand much, they are already absorbing information from their surroundings like a sponge. They are learning about the world in ways that are accessible to them at this stage.
What Can You Do with Your 2-Month-Old?
In the famous cartoon, Garfield suggested that a baby should be "fed, loved, and not upset." It is pretty much the game plan for 2 to 4 months. However, you can begin to help your little one’s “absorbent mind” learn more about the world around them in small ways.
- Stand in front of a mirror holding your baby. Their vision is becoming more focused, allowing them to notice reflections.
- Hang a mobile with pleasant toys or figures above the crib. At first, your baby will just observe them, but later, they will try to reach out with their hands and feet to touch, grab, and play with them.
- Hold a toy near your baby, allowing them to reach, touch, and grasp it.
- Read aloud and listen to soothing melodies together. At two months, babies can't yet understand the content of stories, so you can read something you enjoy. The point of reading aloud to such tiny babies is to let them hear your voice. It soothes them, and they associate the tone and rhythm of your voice with comfort. Gentle, relaxing music also helps develop auditory perception and soothes your baby.
- If your baby is awake in the stroller on outdoor walks, carry them in your arms to show them nature, birds, the street, and people. A baby carrier is also very convenient. There are many types, so it’s best to try them out in-store until you find one that is comfortable. On the one hand, your two-month-old needs to be securely supported in the carrier, but on the other hand, you need a design that’s easy for you to wear.
If there are older siblings in the family, don’t stop them from playing games in the same room as the baby. Let your little one observe and watch their siblings play.
Toys for a 2-Month-Old: Do They Need Them?
Babies grow and develop quickly, so if you’re eager to buy toys now, you can do so and use them later. However, a baby is still too small at two months to play with toys and interact with them intentionally. Still, some items can be helpful even at this stage.
- Toys with different textures. Your baby is already trying to reach out and grasp objects, so you can begin introducing them to various surfaces: soft, rough, smooth, warm, cold to the touch, etc.
- Items that make sounds: bells, rattles.
- Ribbons with beads: just be sure that small parts are securely fastened so the baby can’t swallow them.
At this stage, you can also start massaging your baby, helping to strengthen their muscles. The massage doesn’t need to be long or too complicated. You can ask your pediatrician or physiotherapist for the proper techniques for young children. For the massage, you can use baby oils, which are gentle on their sensitive skin.
Pay Attention to Your Baby’s Signals
The Montessori philosophy emphasizes following the child. It is easy to do with active toddlers or schoolchildren. For babies, it’s more about intuitively understanding what they like and dislike. You can see how they react to different toys or activities and use this as a guide.
All of these tips are just guidelines. If you don’t wear your baby in a carrier or don’t enjoy standing in front of the mirror with them — that’s okay! What’s much more important than following lists or rules is enjoying each day with your baby and being happy together!