5- month Baby Growth Milestones and Development

Growth and Physical Development: Twice the Size

Each baby is different and will develop at her own pace, but once your baby turns about 5 months old, you may notice that she's about double her birth weight.

Your baby's eyesight keeps on improving, and by now he or she can see much farther than before.

Movement: Building Stronger Core Muscles - Your baby is getting stronger and she is working on building those all-important core muscles. By now, she can raise and hold her head and chest when lying on her stomach. She'll continue to strengthen these muscles as she pushes her head and chest further up.

Personality: Your Baby Gets Experimental - Babies are fast learners and each experience will teach your little one so many things. she'll drop something and see that you pick it right up. This will encourage her to become curious and she will test out how she can influence the world around her. Engage her eager mind by taking her for walks around the neighborhood, talking to her, and showing her new things.

How to Support Your Baby’s Development

Your baby has been working hard to develop strong neck and shoulder muscles. Over the coming months, she will use these muscles to stay sitting up, roll over, crawl, and eventually walk. Continue with providing daily tummy time sessions to help your little one build up these skills. Try to do it two or three times a day if you can. As she gets used to tummy time, you can do it more often to help her gain strength and confidence. Make sure she is awake during tummy time and never leave her unattended.

Feeding Your 5-Month-Old Baby

At 5 months old, your baby may be taking four to six ounces of breast milk or formula milk at each feeding, or perhaps even more. She may need to eat more when she goes through a growth spurt, which can happen at any time; you may notice one when your baby turns about six month old. Whenever she seems hungry, follow her hunger cues and feed her on demand.

How Much Sleep Does a 5-Month-Old Baby Need?

Around this time your baby will sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. This includes an extended stretch at night with perhaps only a few brief awakenings.

Teething - You may notice your baby is drooling, cranky, or crying from discomfort this month. Between 4 and 7 months old, many babies start to get their first teeth. Your baby may get lucky and not feel any pain when he’s teething, but he may still have swollen or tender gums.

If you notice he’s drooling, just wipe his mouth with a clean cloth to prevent a rash. If you notice your baby is in pain or is feeling irritable, turn to your baby’s healthcare provider for advice.