The fifth month is when the motor skills that began in month four are consolidated. The baby now controls their own body better.

What to expect this month

Movement

  • Rolling both ways (back to tummy and back again)
  • Sitting with support or while being held
  • Catching the feet and bringing them to the mouth
  • Beginning to pass an object from one hand to the other

Social and language

  • Starting to respond to their name
  • Telling emotion from tone of voice: pausing at a sharp tone
  • Vocal responses in front of a mirror
  • Holding out the arms to a familiar person

Feeding

The general advice is to wait for month 6. In some babies, with a doctor's assessment, solids may begin at the end of month 5. Three things are considered in that decision: the weight-gain curve, full head control, and being able to sit with support.

Breast milk remains the main food this month too; even once solids begin, they are added alongside it, not in place of it. Vitamin D is continued.

Sleep

Total sleep drops to around 12-15 hours. Daytime naps start reducing to 2-3. Teething discomfort can break up sleep in these months.

This month's vaccinations

There is no vaccine at month 5 in the national schedule. The next group is given at 6 months.

When to see a doctor

  • If the baby cannot roll in any direction
  • If holding the head upright is difficult even with support
  • If objects cannot be grasped or passed from hand to hand
  • If there is no response to their name or to sounds
  • If smiling and vocalising have decreased

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