📋 This Week
2-month pediatrician visit — growth measured, developmental check, vaccines.
💡 Parent Tip
After vaccinations, baby may be fussier and sleepier for 24–48 hours. Infant paracetamol (with pediatrician guidance) can help with discomfort.
🔬 Did You Know?
The 2-month vaccines protect against 8 diseases including whooping cough, which can be fatal in infants under 6 months. Vaccination timing is evidence-based to protect when immunity from birth wanes.
Week 8 at a glance
Week 8 is defined by the 2-month pediatrician visit and first vaccines. Social smiles are now reliable and frequent. Crying is usually declining from its week 5–6 peak. Some babies begin longer overnight stretches around this time.
At 8 weeks, your baby is noticeably more socially engaged. Social smiling is now reliable — baby smiles in response to your face and voice, not just randomly. They may also begin to "talk back" with coos and gurgling sounds when you speak to them.
Head control continues to improve. During supervised tummy time, some babies can briefly lift their head to a 45-degree angle. Their hands spend more time open (rather than fisted), and they may briefly bat at objects held near their face.
Visual tracking is stronger — baby can follow a moving object through a wider arc. They also recognize familiar faces at a greater distance now.
Breastfed babies typically continue feeding 7–10 times per 24 hours. Many mothers notice feeds becoming faster — 10–15 minutes per side rather than 20–30 minutes. This efficiency is normal and doesn't mean supply has dropped.
Formula-fed babies typically take 120–150 ml (4–5 oz) per feed, every 3–4 hours. Appetite begins to become slightly more predictable this week for many babies.
If you're struggling with supply or latch, lactation support is just as available and valuable at 8 weeks as it is at day 3.
Total sleep: 13–15 hours. Wake windows are typically 75–90 minutes before needing sleep. Many babies begin to show their first 4–5 hour overnight stretch around this age, often occurring earlier in the night (7pm–midnight).
Naps remain unpredictable — usually 3–5 per day of varying length. The 45-minute "intruder" nap is common. Don't try to rigidly schedule naps yet; instead, watch for tired cues and act within a 75–90 minute window.
See our guide on wake windows by age for week-by-week guidance, and newborn sleep for what's coming in weeks 9–12.
The 2-month visit is a major milestone. Baby will receive their first full round of immunizations. Common post-vaccine reactions include: low-grade fever (under 38.5°C), increased fussiness, sleepiness for 24–48 hours, and soreness at the injection site.
{callout("info", "Post-vaccine comfort", "Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding at the time of vaccination have been shown to reduce pain and distress. Ask if this is possible at your clinic. After the visit, baby may want to sleep more than usual — this is normal.")}Diaper output: wet nappies should remain at 6+ per day. Dirty nappies vary widely — both daily and every few days is normal for breastfed babies at this age.
⚠️ When to call your pediatrician
fever above 38°C (100.4°F) after vaccines · baby unable to wake after vaccines · swelling or redness growing at injection site · any seizure-like activity · seems in significant pain not relieved by normal comfort measures
Week 9 brings stronger neck control, better visual tracking, and the beginning of hand exploration. Nap patterns may start to consolidate slightly. Head to week 9 for what's coming.
In most countries, the 2-month visit includes vaccines for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Hib, polio, PCV (pneumococcal), and rotavirus, though schedules vary by country. Your pediatrician will confirm exactly which vaccines are due. Mild fussiness and low-grade fever for 24–48 hours afterward are common and normal.
Yes — social smiling becomes increasingly frequent and responsive around weeks 6–10. Baby is learning to use smiles socially and will smile at familiar faces, voices, and even interesting patterns. This is healthy social development. Respond with enthusiasm — it reinforces positive interaction.
A simple, consistent wind-down sequence (bath, feed, dim lights, song) can begin around 6–8 weeks. It won't produce schedule-based sleep yet, but it starts building the association between the routine and sleep onset. Keep it short (15–20 minutes) and calm.
If your baby is growing well and your pediatrician confirms it, you generally don't need to wake a healthy 8-week-old for overnight feeds once they've demonstrated consistent weight gain. Discuss with your pediatrician at the 2-month visit if you're unsure about dropping the scheduled overnight feed.
What comes next
Weeks 9–12: witching hour fades, first longer night stretches
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Medical Disclaimer: BabyBloom provides general parenting information for educational purposes only. Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your child's health.