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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Well Child Care at 2 Weeks
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 often wake up at night to feed.
This is normal. Cereal or baby food is not needed yet.
Babies can become overweight or have food allergies if
solids are started too early. If your baby wants to feed
more often, try a pacifier. Your baby may need to suck but
not feed.
You show love to your baby if you hold your baby during
feeding. This is a good time to talk and play. It is best
to hold the bottle and not prop it up.
Mixing formula: If you use concentrated liquid formula,
always mix one can of formula with one can of tap water.
Keep the mixture in the refrigerator. If you get powdered
formula, always mix two ounces of water per one 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, or relatives is often very
important at this time.
For more information see: Normal Development: 2 Weeks
Sleep
Babies usually sleep 16 or more hours a day. Healthy babies
should be placed in bed on their backs. This is new advice;
some older parents may not know about this change in
recommended care. The recommendation is based on
information that shows this sleeping position 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 six
times each day.
Safety Tips
An approved car seat is the safest way for babies to travel
in cars. In fact, infant car seats are required by law.
Infant car seats should be placed in a back seat with the
infant facing backwards. Never leave your baby alone. Also
never leave your baby alone 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 Physician If:
- Your baby develops a fever.
- Your child is very irritable and you cannot calm him.
Next Visit
Your baby's next appointment should 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.
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