{"id":1011,"date":"2013-03-08T14:39:00","date_gmt":"2013-03-08T19:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/2013\/03\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old.html"},"modified":"2025-06-11T13:31:17","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T17:31:17","slug":"how-to-play-with-2-month-old","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/how-to-play-with-2-month-old\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Play with a 2 Month Old"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I LOVE when babies turn 2 months old. I think it is my very favorite stage of infancy. They are cooing and smiling up a storm and really starting to explore the world around them, but not moving yet!!!!&nbsp; And you can PLAY with them!!!&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even as an educator and an experienced parent, I still forget all the developmental stages and things to work on, so I try to read up on my kids development at the&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;of each month. This helps me to plan ways I can interact with my baby that are developmentally appropriate. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are just a couple of articles that I found helpful for 2 month old babies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.babycenter.com\/0_your-2-month-olds-development_717.bc\" target=\"_blank\">BabyCenter Development Article<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfamily.com\/child-development-overview-4172261\" target=\"_blank\">Ages and Stages Album<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.fisher-price.com\/en_US\/playtime\/joyoflearning\/jolage2months.html\" target=\"_blank\">Fisher-Price toy and activity suggestions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At 2 months old their sleep schedule maybe a little more predictable than first out of the womb. Ours kinda goes like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>EAT.&nbsp; PLAY.&nbsp; SLEEP.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I find that when we PLAY more, then he sleeps better!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/TipSonhowtoPlaywithyourTwoMonthOld.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/TipSonhowtoPlaywithyourTwoMonthOld.jpg\" alt=\"Tips on HOw to play with your 2 Month old Baby from the Educators' Spin On It \" style=\"width:599px;height:599px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-755c5519-45c4-432f-ab1b-618e89cf1be0\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">So how do I play with a 2 month old?<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/how-to-play-with-2-month-old\/#1-1-tummy-time-\" style=\"\">1. Tummy time.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/how-to-play-with-2-month-old\/#2-2-the-swing-\" style=\"\">2. The swing.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/how-to-play-with-2-month-old\/#3-3-the-boppy-or-the-blanket-again-\" style=\"\">3. The Boppy or the blanket again!<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/how-to-play-with-2-month-old\/#4-4-reading-and-singing-\" style=\"\">4. Reading and Singing.<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-so-how-do-i-play-with-a-2-month-old-\"><b>So how do I play with a 2 month old?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rotations work the best for me.&nbsp; I have several baby stations set up in our living room that I can rotate between throughout the day when he is awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-tummy-time-\"><b>1. Tummy time<\/b>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although not always my little guy&#8217;s favorite thing to do, I know that it is so vital for him to have time playing on his stomach so that he develops strong neck, shoulder, and back muscles. &nbsp;He has great control for a 2 month old! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We often lay right next to him and talk in baby voices and sing to him. &nbsp;This makes our tummy times much more enjoyable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a blanket that I keep folded right on top of the toy basket, which is tucked under an end table, just for this station. When it is tummy time, I set the blanket on the floor and pick out some toys. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have to say that the mirror toy has been ALL 3 of my kids favorite toy when they were babies. &nbsp;Defiantly&nbsp;worth the money! There is a little rattle on the string we shake for him and the sun spins and makes a clicking noise too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When he gets fussy or cries, tummy time is over. &nbsp;I pick him up, snuggle him, and tell him what a wonderful baby he is. &nbsp;That tummy time is hard work! Then I put the toys away in the basket, fold the blanket and set it on top of the basket.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_2992.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_2992.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:599px;height:451px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Is your little one getting older? Here are some additional suggestions for <a href=\"https:\/\/thestay-at-home-momsurvivalguide.com\/outdoor-activities-for-infants\/\" title=\"\">stay at home mom activities for 1 year old<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-the-swing-\"><br><b>2. The swing<\/b>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The swing is another station that I have in my rotation. This gives him another position to sit in and watch the little animals go round and round. &nbsp;He is getting great at tracking. &nbsp;I watch his eyes follow the animals. This contentment lasts anywhere between 2 and 10 minutes. &nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(When I sit next to him in the swing, I don&#8217;t use the buckle.&nbsp;If I am going to step away, then I make sure the buckle is on. Soon enough, he is going to be wiggling his way out.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swings are expensive and space hogs, but I don&#8217;t know what I would do without mine.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_3002.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_3002.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:599px;height:982px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-3-the-boppy-or-the-blanket-again-\"><br><b>3. The Boppy or the blanket again!<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My son loves to lay in the Boppy pillow during playtime. We did have one of those nice&nbsp;play mats but it took up a LOT of space.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I easily adapted the concept using my coffee table and I don&#8217;t have a giant toy to set up or take down or store. &nbsp;We just put a blanket or the boppy under the edge and&nbsp;attach&nbsp;a toy with a clip above him. He thinks this is GREAT! &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I try to use a toy that he can reach when his arms flail&nbsp;absentmindedly&nbsp; &nbsp;When he hears the rattle of the&nbsp;giraffe&#8217;s&nbsp;feet, it makes him coo!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_2076.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_2076.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:600px;height:800px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-4-reading-and-singing-\"><br><b>4. Reading and Singing.<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Last, but not least, 2 month olds are ready to start interacting with BOOKS! &nbsp;Please don&#8217;t think I am crazy, but I read all the time to my baby. &nbsp;He loves to hear my voice and I am happy that he is hearing so many great vocabulary words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At 2 months old, he is already looking at pictures and has preferences for books.&nbsp;I try to choose books with bright or high-contrast illustrations and name things in the pictures for him too. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During&nbsp;story time I&#8217;ll also lay him on my lap and sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider while giving his body a light&nbsp;massage.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think early exposure to reading and singing has really helped my 2 older kids develop early literacy skills and I&#8217;d like to give my #3 the same language-rich environment from an early age.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_2996.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/IMG_2996.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:601px;height:636px\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It is important to know the signs of your baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Too much stimulation is not a good thing either.&nbsp;I try to watch for signs that he is interested; cooing, smiling, alert eyes, and to watch for&nbsp;disinterest&nbsp; fussing, turning away or wrinkling his brow (he does do this and I think it is the cutest ever, but it is his sign for getting frustrated and I know we need to stop or change activities or he will cry) &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes during awake time we may do a few of the rotations or all of them for less amount of time. &nbsp;It just depends on his mood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get the GEAR:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Disclosure Amazon Affiliate Links included in this post. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As your friend, I can share with you a little bit about what I do with my baby, but all parents are different and all kids are different. &nbsp;Your child may like or respond to things differently and that is OK! &nbsp;I wanted to share the ways that we play at our house to get your ideas spinning on how YOU can play with YOUR child. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any ideas or ways you play with your 2 month old, please share them in the comments below. &nbsp;I LOVE hearing from you!!! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-click-here-for-more-baby-activities-\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/babies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Click here for more Baby Activities<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/babies\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"435\" src=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/20-Activities-for-Your-Baby-.jpg\" alt=\"20 Activities for your Baby\" class=\"wp-image-21928\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/20-Activities-for-Your-Baby-.jpg 650w, https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/20-Activities-for-Your-Baby--600x402.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/20-Activities-for-Your-Baby--300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I LOVE when babies turn 2 months old. I think it is my very favorite stage of infancy. They are cooing and smiling up a storm and really starting to explore the world around them, but not moving yet!!!!&nbsp; And you can PLAY with them!!!&nbsp; Even as an educator and an experienced parent, I still [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":75095,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[84,85,537,760,41,123],"class_list":{"0":"post-1011","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids-activities","8":"tag-baby","9":"tag-baby-time","10":"tag-fun","11":"tag-kids","12":"tag-parenting","13":"tag-play","14":"entry"},"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"The Educators Spin On It","author_link":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/author\/theeducatorsspinonit\/"},"mv":{"thumbnail_id":75095,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/how-to-play-with-a-2-month-old-200x300.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1011"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75346,"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1011\/revisions\/75346"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducatorsspinonit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}