Parenting

At 2 months, most babies are beginning to cry less and spend more time awake. They are interested in all the wondrous things around them. Babies enjoy looking at faces, seeing you smile and hearing your voice. So talk and sing to your baby a lot. Also, reading to your baby is a nice habit to begin at this age.

Parents often wonder about what toys are best for babies. At around 2 months babies are learning how to use their neck and shoulder muscles and soon will begin trying to raise their heads when lying down and to reaching out for objects when sitting. You can hold toys out in front of your baby to encourage him or her to reach. Babies love brightly colored objects. Mobiles will attract your baby's attention. You also can introduce a soft rattle. Here are a few safety tips to remember when choosing toys for your baby:

• Never give your baby a toy with sharp or pointed edges
• Don't let your baby hold a toy with small removable parts that could cause choking
• Choose age-appropriate toys