Physical Development

By five months, your baby is likely showing off new physical skills and building strength. Here’s what you might notice:

• Improved Head Control: Your baby’s neck muscles are stronger, making tummy time more fun as they lift their head and chest higher.

• Rolling Over: Many babies start to roll over from tummy to back (and maybe back to tummy). Be sure to keep a close eye on them during diaper changes or when they’re on an elevated surface!

• Sitting with Support: Your baby may begin sitting with some help, such as using a Boppy pillow or your hands for balance.

Encourage their physical development with plenty of floor playtime and toys they can grasp, shake, or chew on.

Cognitive and Sensory Development

At this stage, babies are eager to explore the world around them. Expect:

• Increased Curiosity: They’ll stare at new objects and reach for anything within arm’s length (or mouth’s reach!). Toys with textures, sounds, or bright colors are great for this age.

• Recognition of Familiar Faces: Your baby will likely recognize you and other close caregivers, responding with big smiles, coos, or even excited kicks.

• Babbling: The early stages of language development are in full swing! Your baby will experiment with sounds, vowels, and even laughing out loud.

Social and Emotional Growth

Your baby is becoming more interactive and social:

• Responsive Smiles: They smile not only in response to your cues but also to get your attention or express joy.

• Stranger Anxiety: Some babies begin to show a preference for familiar faces and may become shy or cautious around new people. This is completely normal and a sign of healthy attachment.

Playtime is an excellent way to nurture this growth. Singing, peekaboo, and talking to your baby are great ways to bond and encourage their social skills.

Sleep Patterns

By five months, your baby’s sleep schedule may be more predictable, though every baby is different.

• Nighttime Sleep: Many babies sleep longer stretches at night, typically between 6 to 8 hours.

• Naps: Expect 2–3 naps a day, often lasting 1 to 2 hours each.

If sleep regressions occur (common at this age), stay consistent with bedtime routines to help them settle back into a rhythm.

Feeding

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or both, your baby is likely eating around 24–36 ounces of milk daily. Some parents may start introducing solids during the fifth or sixth month, depending on their pediatrician’s advice. Signs your baby may be ready for solids include:

• Good head and neck control.

• Interest in food (watching you eat or trying to grab your food).

• Ability to sit up with support.

Remember, breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition at this stage.

Milestones to Celebrate

Here are some milestones to look out for this month:

• Reaching for and grabbing objects.

• Turning toward sounds or voices.

• Responding to their name.

• Showing early problem-solving skills, like figuring out how to bring a toy to their mouth.

Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your little one isn’t hitting all these milestones just yet.