2-month and 3-month old childcare
Vaccinations, neck support, night crying
Understand all the "whys"
"Giving my little child so many injections... I'm worried..."
"My baby is three months old, but his neck is still so soft...I wonder if he's okay at this pace?"
"I woke up so many times in the middle of the night, I was exhausted..."
In front of the precious baby that was born,
Every day is filled with feelings of love and worry.
We want to cherish and raise this little life with our love.
But somewhere in my heart I wonder, "Is this really okay?"
From the experience of a midwife who has watched over many babies and mothers for many years,
To answer moms' questions like "Why?", "Is this right?", and "I'm worried..."
I will answer with a warm heart.
By the time you finish reading this guide,
"That's right!"
"I see, that's reassuring then."
With these new realizations and a sense of security, your mind will feel lighter and more relaxed.
For my beloved child,
Let's turn your worries into peace of mind with gentle knowledge.
1. Is it okay to give multiple vaccinations at the same time when your baby is 2 months old?
Reasons for relief and what to do if you get a fever
The moment I was told at the pediatrician's office that "your child will be vaccinated when he turns two months old,"
Didn't your heart feel like it was being squeezed?
"Is it really okay to give my child four injections at once?"
This anxiety is a common feeling felt by mothers all over the world.
But actually, there is a deep reason to love vaccinations.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare,
The safety rate for simultaneous administration of four vaccines is 98.7% .
This means that 987 babies out of 1,000 will acquire immunity without any problems.
Why give four shots at once?
It's to protect the life of our beloved child from illness.
At around six months of age, the immunity given to babies by their mothers disappears.
Before that, it is important to ensure that your pet is immunized.
It's the best gift of love for your baby .
A fever of 37.5 degrees after vaccination is actually "proof that your immunity has been firmly established."
This is a sign that your baby's body is trying hard to protect him.
This discovery will surely change the way we look at vaccinations.
2. Is it okay if my baby's neck is still soft at 3 months old?
The fact that half of babies can't do it yet and tips on how to watch over them
Seeing other babies at the support center
"My child's neck is still wobbly... is it too late?"
Have you ever felt such anxiety?
In fact, here's a surprising fact that many moms don't know.
Looking at actual survey data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare,
Only 50% of babies can hold their heads up at 3 months of age .
This means that half of the babies are not yet able to hold their heads up.
It's never too late for your baby.
"Oh, is that so?"
Many mothers will breathe a sigh of relief when they learn this fact.
Furthermore, the real sign that 90% of mothers miss is that their baby is able to hold up its head.
Being able to "lie face down and lift your head 45 degrees and hold that position for 5 seconds."
This is a much more accurate criterion than stability when held upright.
If your baby doesn't like lying on their stomach, we recommend the "three-minute stomach rule."
Just 3 minutes on a soft mat when you're in a good mood.
Rather than forcing them to do something,
"Encourage growth in a fun and natural way."
This is the best thing for your baby.
Please trust your beloved child's pace and watch over them warmly.
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3. How long will night feedings last?
The reason why day and night are reversed and the difference between children who sleep well and those who don't
"My baby is already three months old and still wakes up every two hours at night..."
"I heard that my friend's baby sleeps for five hours straight, but my baby..."
Moms who are exhausted both physically and mentally from breastfeeding in the middle of the night,
Thank you very much for your hard work .
Here are some eye-opening scientific facts you should know.
There is a lot of individual variation in the sleep patterns of babies between the ages of 2 and 3 months.
Why is there such a difference?
This is because the rate at which each baby's "biorhythm" develops varies .
To adapt to the 24-hour rhythm of adults,
For some babies, it can take as little as two months, but for others, it can take as long as six months.
In other words, whether your child sleeps for five hours or wakes up every two hours,
Both are normal and healthy signs .
There are ways to quickly resolve the day-night reversal.
At 7am, I always open the curtains and let in the sunlight.
Keep the room dark after 8pm.
It may take 2-3 weeks for the effects to be seen,
There will definitely be an easier day .
It may be difficult now, but frequent breastfeeding at this time is
It's also a precious time for mother and baby to bond.
"Let's work hard together just a little longer."
That gentle feeling is sure to be conveyed to the baby.
4. Is this weight gain okay?
How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk and how to monitor their growth
"My baby's weight is at the bottom of the growth chart...maybe I'm not getting enough breast milk?"
"I'm only gaining 25g a day... is that too little?"
Mom stares at the scale every day and experiences ups and downs.
I can understand how you feel .
But here's a comforting truth I want you to know.
Growth curves are "averages," not "normal."
Even if a child is at the bottom of the curve, as long as they are growing steadily at their own pace,
There's no problem at all .
There is an even more surprising fact.
The recommended daily weight gain is 25-30g.
In fact, an increase of 15g or more is within the normal range .
Whether the baby is satisfied
You can judge by their mood rather than their weight.
✅ Baby is in a good mood for more than 30 minutes after feeding
✅ Urinating more than 6 times a day
✅ Move your arms and legs a lot when awake
✅ I started to smile
If you have these signs, there's no need to get too excited or upset about your weight number.
When it comes to breast milk, babies have an instinctive ability to drink as much as they need.
The mother's body also produces only the amount needed to meet the baby's needs.
It's a perfect partnership .
Don't be fooled by the numbers, but take a good look at how your beloved child is doing.
5. Why do I keep crying in the evening?
The reason for evening "sluggishness" and how to overcome it
"Every evening at 5pm, he suddenly starts crying..."
"No matter what I do, he won't stop crying, and I want to cry with him."
Moms who are troubled by the so-called "terrible three months" and "twilight crying"
You are never alone .
In fact, there is a deep biological reason for this phenomenon.
At around three months of age, your baby's brain is undergoing rapid development.
In particular, the part of the body that controls the "internal clock" begins to develop.
The brain becomes confused.
Around 5pm in the evening is the time when the human body clock is at its lowest level of alertness.
At the same time that adults get sleepy, babies
"I feel a bit uneasy, but I don't know what to do."
This is the situation we end up in.
Knowing this scientific background will change the way you look at babies.
The crying usually subsides naturally by the time the baby is 4-5 months old.
It may be difficult now, but this is also proof that your baby is growing.
When your baby won't stop crying even when you hold him/her,
I thought, "This child is also working hard and growing up."
Just spending that time together is enough.
There's no perfect solution, but your baby is just confused.
I'm sure your mother's warm feelings are conveyed to you.
6. Is it okay if he doesn't smile or follow me with his eyes yet?
Each baby's pace and points to keep in mind
"Compared to other children of the same age, my child seems less responsive..."
"He's three months old and still not smiling... is he developmentally delayed?"
"It seems like I can't track it... is this okay?"
Seeing other babies at the support center
I completely understand the feeling of comparing your child to yours.
But here's a comforting fact I want you to know.
The range of what is considered "normal" development is much wider than you might imagine.
Social smiling appears between 2 and 4 months of age .
It is not uncommon for babies to start laughing after four months of age.
The same goes for tracking.
Even if you can't follow it perfectly 180 degrees, if you show even a slight movement of following it with your eyes,
It's a great sign of development .
There are actually very few signs that you should be really worried about:
❌ Does not respond to sound at all
❌ 4 months and still can't make eye contact
❌ Significantly reduced limb movement
Other than these, most of it is within the realm of personality .
Even if the child's reaction is weak, that is also an important part of their personality.
Some children are reserved, while others laugh a lot.
Both have great personalities .
"Recognizing my child's individuality"
That may be the most important role of a parent.
Don't rush, trust your child's pace, and watch over them warmly.
👉Resolve specific concerns with Q&A here
💡Environmental improvements also affect development 
7. What is the normal range of stool color and constipation?
Common concerns and when to consult a doctor
"My poop has turned green, is this a sign of illness?"
"I haven't had a bowel movement for four days... should I go to the hospital?"
"I have red bumps on my face... could it be allergies?"
With the daily changes in your baby,
"Is this okay? Or is it abnormal?"
I understand very well how you feel anxious about each and every thing .
In fact, 99% of what moms worry about is normal .
[About the color of poop]
Green poop is just the color changed by the components in breast milk or formula.
Yellow, green and brown are all within the normal range.
You should only see a doctor if the discharge is white or bloody .
[About constipation]
Babies aged 2-3 months have immature digestive tracts,
It's not uncommon for it to go 3-5 days without coming.
As long as your baby is in a good mood and not bloated, it's fine to just wait and see.
[About facial eczema]
99% of eczema cases in babies 2-3 months old are "infant eczema."
This is a natural phenomenon caused by active sebum secretion.
Keeping it clean and moisturized will improve it naturally .
"Oh, this is normal too."
Just knowing this will make your daily worries much less.
What you should really be worried about are fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, etc.
Only if the baby is clearly in distress.
This is proof that you are closely observing your beloved child.
Cherishing those loving feelings,
Please relax a little and watch over them.
👉Find solutions to your environmental concerns here
💡Communicating with your baby is also helpful.
8. What is the ideal room temperature?
Creating a comfortable environment for your baby
What is the ideal temperature for a baby's room?
"My hands and feet are cold. Are you okay? Or are you cold?"
"I heard it's 26 degrees in the summer and 22 degrees in the winter. Is that true?"
I stare at the thermometer every day,
If it changes even once, I get worried.
I understand very well how mom feels .
In fact, there is a surprising secret to how babies regulate their body temperature.
Babies have a higher body temperature and a more active metabolism than adults.
Therefore, the temperature that adults feel is "a little cool" is
It's just good for babies .
[Optimal temperature by season]
Spring and Autumn: 22-24°C
Summer: 26-28°C (within 5°C of outside temperature)
Winter: 20-22°C
But what's more important than the numbers is
"Keep an eye on the baby."
How to tell if it's comfortable
✅ If you touch the back of your neck and it's sweaty, it's too hot
✅ Even if your hands and feet are cold, your chest and stomach are warm → OK
✅ Sleeping well → Optimal temperature
✅ Your face is not red → You are not too hot
"I see, so I don't have to worry about my hands and feet getting cold!"
This discovery will surely make daily temperature control easier.
Babies cannot say "hot" or "cold" on their own.
That's why a mother's loving observation is so important.
It is the best thermometer .
Don't get carried away by numbers, but take a good look at your child's condition.
Trust your own judgment and value it.
9. Will you talk to me and say "ah-uh"?
How to nurture the beginnings of language
"Recently, he's started making sounds like 'ahhh'. What does that mean?"
"How do I respond?"
"I wonder if this voice has any meaning?"
Can be heard from around 2-3 months of age
A cute "ah-uh" sound.
This is a special message from baby to mom .
This phenomenon is called "cooing"
The first step in verbal communication .
The baby hears his own voice
They enjoy discovering, "So this is the kind of sound it makes!"
At the same time, I'm trying to start a conversation with my mom.
What cooing teaches us
Evidence that your baby is in a good mood
- Well-developed vocal cords and mouth muscles
・Want to communicate with mom
- Language development is progressing smoothly
"I see, this was a sign of growth!"
[Effective ways to speak up]
When your baby says "ah-uh,"
Respond gently with something like, "I see," or "That's fun."
Look them in the eye, smile, and respond in the same tone.
The baby will be delighted, saying, "We've had a conversation!"
The accumulation of these small "conversations"
It lays the foundation for future language development.
Even when you're busy, you can listen to your baby's moans
Time to listen and respond
A precious moment to deepen the bond between parent and child .
You don't have to give a perfect response.
Just respond with a loving voice from your mother,
The baby will be very satisfied.
10. How can I get my husband to help with childcare?
Tips for sharing nighttime feeding duties and how to avoid doing it all alone
"I want to ask Daddy to help me, but in the end it's quicker if I do it myself..."
"Breastfeeding in the middle of the night is all my fault, both physically and mentally..."
"My dad says, 'I don't know what to do...'"
I tried too hard alone,
Mom is exhausted both physically and mentally.
I really understand that fatigue .
In fact, there are two ways to share childcare responsibilities with your husband:
There are "golden rules for success."
It's about finding out what dad is good at and making use of it.
Many dads just don't know what to do,
If they know how to do it, they will be proactive.
[Childcare tasks that dads are good at]
・Bath (heavy work, fresh for the baby)
- Changing diapers in the middle of the night (quickly change them while breastfeeding)
- Putting babies to sleep (low voices are soothing to babies)
・Luggage management when going out (once you get used to wearing a baby carrier, you're good at it)
[There are some tips on how to make a request]
❌ "Help me" → ⭐ "Please do ○○"
❌ "Why don't you understand?" → ⭐ "This will work"
❌ "Criticism" → ⭐ "Thank you, that helps"
Don't expect perfection, just say "thank you" if you get 70 points.
This accumulation of experience will help fathers develop confidence in their child-rearing skills.
[Successful pattern for nighttime work]
- Mommy breastfeeds, while daddy changes the diaper
-Dad until midnight, Mommy after that
・Dad will be available at night on weekends
"I see, so that's how you divide the work!"
Dads are also anxious at first, but as they spend more time with their baby,
It will definitely deepen your love and make you more positive.
Enjoy childcare with the whole family .
That's the happiest way.
11. How did other moms overcome it?
Actual experiences and truly useful tips
"Did everyone have the same problem?"
I'd like to know if there's a method that actually works...
Parenting worries tend to be something that parents tend to handle alone.
But the truth is, many moms have been through the same thing.
You are never alone .
[Mother A: Overcoming her fears about vaccinations]
"After receiving all four vaccinations at the same time, I panicked when I got a fever of 38.5 degrees. But it went down within 24 hours and I realized that this was a normal reaction. After the second vaccination, I was able to think, 'My baby is doing well.'"
[Mama B: Relieving worries about baby's neck support]
"Even at five months old, I was still unsteady, so I went to the hospital. The doctor told me that my muscles were strong, but the next week, I suddenly finished. It really does vary from person to person."
[Mama C's successful nighttime breastfeeding strategy]
"It was hard to do it every two hours... so I asked my husband to change my baby's diaper while I was breastfeeding, and the burden was cut in half. Even a small division of labor made a big difference."
[D Mama: Freedom from Weight Anxiety]
"I was worried that my baby wasn't getting enough breast milk because he was below the growth curve, but when I saw that he was in a good mood, I was convinced that he was getting enough. Symptoms are more important than numbers."
[E Mama's Tips for Overcoming Twilight Crying]
"He cried for two hours every evening. I felt better knowing that this was also a part of growing up. There were days when I held him and cried with him, but now it's a fond memory."
"Everyone had the same experience."
What they have in common is
"Gaining knowledge turned my anxiety into relief."
And above all,
"We have the bond we have today because of those difficult times."
There are many moms who look back and say,
Even if it's difficult now, you can definitely get through it.
And surely,
"It was a difficult time, but it was a valuable time."
The day will come when you can think that way.
What changes will occur at 12.4 months?
Mentally prepare for baby food, rolling over, and shyness
"You're only three months old and you're already thinking about what to do next?"
You might think so, but actually
If you start preparing yourself now, little by little, it will be much easier later .
Babies always grow faster than we expect.
Instead of saying, "Suddenly, I'll start weaning tomorrow!"
It's reassuring to be able to prepare with ample time.
[Changes that begin around 4 months of age]
- Signs of rolling over (starts 1-2 months after the baby can hold up its head)
- Increased drooling (a sign that your baby is ready for solid food)
-Extended nighttime sleep (sometimes sleeping 6-8 hours in a row)
・The gesture of reaching for something
Right now, I'm doing my best to raise my baby who is 2-3 months old.
But just knowing in the back of your mind that "this fun thing is waiting for me next time"
It will foster a positive attitude towards child-rearing .
"You just have to grow with your baby, step by step."
You're right: no mom is perfect.
You are doing your best with lots of love,
Because she's the best mom .
Finally...To the moms who work hard every day
Raising a baby for the first 2-3 months of life brings with it feelings of happiness and anxiety.
It's a precious time we always have together.
Every day is full of first experiences,
You may often find yourself wondering, "Is this okay?"
What's most important is,
To my dear child who was born,
Your warm love .
It's okay if it's not perfect.
It's okay if you're unsure.
That love wraps the baby tightly around it.
For babies,
I love you the most in the world
It's the most reassuring thing.
Every day I spend with this little life,
I hope it will be a cherished memory that will stay in your heart .
I'm always rooting for you.
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