​​​​​

Welcome to your baby's fifth month! As your little one continues to blossom, they are becoming more interactive, mobile, and expressive. This stage is filled with exciting milestones and discoveries. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the developmental milestones and healthcare considerations for your five-month-old baby.​

​

Physical Development

​​​​​​​​​

• Increased Mobility: At five months, your baby's motor skills are rapidly advancing. Many babies can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back with ease. Some may even start to push themselves up onto their hands and knees in preparation for crawling.

• Sitting Independently: Your baby may be gaining more confidence in sitting without support. While they may still topple over occasionally, they are developing better balance and core strength, which are crucial for further motor development.

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Fine motor skills continue to improve as your baby learns to grasp objects with more control and precision. They may enjoy reaching for toys, transferring objects between hands, and exploring different textures.

​​​​

Cognitive Development

​​​​​​​

• Object Exploration: Your baby's curiosity about the world around them grows stronger. They may enjoy exploring objects by mouthing, shaking, banging, and dropping them. Provide safe and age-appropriate toys to encourage sensory exploration.

• Understanding Cause and Effect: Your baby is beginning to understand cause and effect relationships more clearly. They may enjoy simple games like peek-a-boo or dropping objects to see what happens next.

• Increased Attention Span: As their cognitive abilities develop, your baby's attention span is expanding. They may show more interest in toys, books, and activities for longer periods, engaging in focused play.

​

Social and Emotional Development

​​​​​​​​​

• Expressing Emotions: Your baby's emotional expressions become more nuanced. They may express a wider range of emotions, including joy, frustration, excitement, and curiosity. Respond with empathy and support to help them navigate their feelings.

• Bonding with Caregivers: The bond between your baby and their primary caregivers continues to strengthen. They may show a preference for familiar faces and seek comfort from trusted adults when they are upset or tired.

• Early Communication: Your baby's communication skills are blossoming. They may babble, coo, and make various vocalizations to express themselves. Respond with verbal and non-verbal cues to encourage back-and-forth communication.

​​​

Sources:

​​​

• SickKids. (2020, June 19). Sensory development and suggestions for babies: The first 18 months. https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=3881&language=english#:~:text=Babies%20take%20in%20sensory%20information,such%20as%20play%20or%20sleep.

• Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 10). Infant development: Milestones from 4 to 6 months. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-development/art-20048178#:~:text=Your%20baby's%20arms%20and%20legs,their%20heads%20when%20lying%20facedown.

• healthychildren. (2023, November 20). Cognitive Development in Infants: 4 to 7 Months. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Cognitive-Development-4-to-7-Months.aspx

​​

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/child-infant-health/postpartum-health-guide.html#a1.1