Your Baby's 5 Month Developmental Milestones

There's plenty to look forward to during the 5 month old development stage of your baby's life. The improvement of their motor skills and recognition of the world around them becomes apparent during this age. Your baby's growth will hit several important milestones so be sure to keep an eye out for some of the following.

Physical 

The highlight of your baby's physical development during this age is bound to be their capability of sitting upright when aided. They will reflexively straighten their back when held or propped in a sitting position, and can generally hold it for a while on their own. Still, safety comes first, so be sure to constantly monitor them and place soft materials around them for when they fall.

Beyond being able to bear weight a little more easily, your baby will develop other physical milestones such as:

●      Extending their arms and legs when lying on their tummy, while also arching their back.

●      If laid on their back, your baby can reliably lift their head and shoulders.

●      Rolling skills are developing during this age, with most babies capable of rolling between tummy and back.

●      Enjoy being bounced, especially in your lap, as they can hold themselves upright.

●      Their hand-eye coordination has them reliably bringing objects to their mouth or holding them for long periods.

Cognitive

A 5 month old baby can reliably recognise the world around them, including the objects offered to them. When offered a dangling toy, they will attempt to grab it. They will also stare at objects in their hand, recognising their presence and desiring it.

If left alone, babies at this age will also become bored. Playtime is more important than ever to prevent your little one from showing their displeasure at the lack of stimulation.

 Emotional

Your little one's personality is slowly beginning to emerge by 5 months, so you can enjoy their responses to the world around them. At this age, a baby may:

●      Laugh or giggle.

●      Cuddle.

●      Kiss you.

●      Enjoy playtime.

●      Enjoy your presence.

It may be noticeable how your baby takes pleasure in repeating a certain action. Since they don't understand 'cause and effect' yet, but enjoy its results, you may notice your child constantly throwing objects and waiting for you to bring them back. This kind of behaviour is a means of exploring and learning, so it's a great sign of your child's development.

Communication

Language development takes notable leaps and bounds by this age, and your baby will be showing it in various ways. Namely by repeating actions or sounds, such as raspberries (which is when your baby sticks out their tongue and blows bubbles).

Beyond making sounds, your baby is also developing the skills to recognise sounds and their sources. For example, they will know your voice or the sound their favourite squeaky toy makes. This is useful in distracting them if they are becoming fussy.

Social

Socially, 5 month old babies are capable of demonstrating what they need. This is a balance of both physical and emotional responses, such as raising their arms to be picked up, or crying when something they like is taken away. This indicates their growing awareness of both themselves and their surroundings.

 Milestones to monitor

Your baby's health and well-being always come first, and this includes their developmental process. While all babies develop at different rates, you may want to talk to a healthcare professional if they:

●      Aren't making any sounds.

●      Can't recognise you.

●      Isn't taking an interest in the world around them.

●      Remain unhappy or unsettled at most times.

●      Don't make eye contact or focus on moving objects.

●      Don't react to sounds, especially your voice or sudden loud noises.

●      Lack of mobility, such as kicking their legs or opening fingers.

●      Legs are bent most of the time.

To help your baby learn these vital skills, take the time to interact with them and encourage the necessary responses. This includes regularly talking and playing games with them, as this helps the development of key skills in all areas.

If you think you have a reason to be concerned about your child's development, speak to your GP, child health nurse, Well Child nurse or paediatrician.

For a baby, playtime is integral to developing physical strength and key skills needed in life. Regularly interacting with your little one and encouraging these skills will allow them to build the basic blocks needed for movements like crawling or speaking.

Strong neck and shoulder muscles are one of the main developmental focuses during this time. To maintain head control or a seated position, your baby will initiate movement during tummy time to help build these needed muscles. Their little body will show surprising amounts of strength when you ensure they are getting sufficient amounts of playtime and its accompanying exercise.

Playtime should also introduce your baby to new objects and textures. Safe toys like a teething ring can be introduced to allow them the chance to experience new textures through their mouth. The act of grasping and bringing these objects to their mouth also encourages greater motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Motor strength and skills can also be reinforced by rolling a ball with your infant. Giving them control of the ball, while simultaneously demonstrating how to roll, throw, or drop it can also allow them to understand cause and effect.

Keeping up conversation and introducing new words to your baby during playtime can also help them develop language skills. Their fascination for repeating sounds is the precursor to saying their first words, so be sure to emphasise what you want to hear them say most.

It's important during playtime to remember your baby's cues for not wanting to play anymore. Fussiness, avoiding toys or items they were happily playing with, can indicate your baby's attention is elsewhere and it’s time to take a break.

Rest is just as important as developing new skills, so be sure to balance both aspects of your baby's day.

Your baby's health and well-being come first, and no parent wants to see their little one unwell or in discomfort. That's why it is integral to contact your doctor or paediatrician if you notice signs that your baby is feeling unwell or is developing a health condition.

Additionally, around the 5 month mark, some babies begin to develop their first teeth and some develop them even earlier. You may have noticed your infant drooling more than usual, feeling more cranky, or crying seemingly without a cause. This can be due to their discomfort from growing teeth, which may be helped by giving them a chilled, not frozen, teething ring that meets Australian and New Zealand safety standards. You can also gently rub their tender gums with a clean finger, making sure you regularly clean their drooling mouth with a clean cloth to help prevent a teething rash.

Safety

There are plenty of scenarios to consider when ensuring your baby's safety. Their increased movement around this age means you’ll need to consider their surroundings. Remove any obstacles or furniture during tummy time. Never leave your baby alone while they are awake unless they are in a safe and secure place such as a cot or playpen.

The increased curiosity a child feels during this age inspires them to reach out and grab objects around them. While this is fine during playtime, it can be risky if they try to grab hot or sharp objects.

While your little one can likely roll between tummy and back by this age, continue to place your baby on their back for sleep and swaddle them with their hands out. Ensure that there are no loose objects or bedding in the cot that they may get wrapped up in.

Keep your eye on your baby when they are awake to ensure their absolute safety! Baby-proofing will become second nature in no time and you may see improvement in your reflexes.

Self-care tips for parents

Over time, you may have noticed your baby settling into a routine, allowing you to organise your life and other responsibilities around their schedule more easily. These newly freed moments should not solely be used to clean up the house or get on top of work. Self-care is just as integral, if not more so, now you are a parent.

There are plenty of options available to help invigorate your life and have you feeling back to your old self in no time:

●      Exercise: Finding the time to go on a long walk or to hit the gym may take some adjustment with your baby's developing routine, but bringing in your support network for help can free up more than enough time. Exercise helps your physical well-being on multiple levels, but the release of feel-good chemicals also boosts your mental state. You'll feel much better after a chance to stretch your legs and raise your heart rate. If still recovering from birth, ensure you have been cleared for exercise by a GP or physio or modify your exercise routine as per your GP or physio’s recommendations.

●      Eating well: Make sure you're eating a balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Try to avoid eating too much processed or sugar-intensive ‘junk’ foods.

●      Spoil yourself: In free moments, take care of your well-being by pampering yourself and doing the things you love. Whether it is meeting up with friends for lunch or indulging in a spa treatment, these moments will allow you to decompress from the stresses of being a new parent.

●      Rest: Getting adequate sleep with a baby can be difficult, even if you are trading off night shifts with a partner or loved one. That's why you should take the time to nap whenever possible to keep your head clear and feel well-rested. Allow someone from your support network to watch your baby or help with housework/tasks while you get some rest. Never feel ashamed to ask for help.

After 5 months, it can feel like so much has changed since your baby was born. Their developmental milestones are already so impressive, but there's even more to look forward to in the next few months. Just take your time and enjoy every new skill your baby learns. Help is always available from your support network, and professional aid can be found through your Child and Family Health or Well Child nurse or family doctor.