Definitely growing strong. Possibly growing wary.
By the end of this month, your 5-month-old will probably be able to sit up with some support, and be able to pass toys from one hand to another. And, depending on how often your friends and family visit you, he might start displaying a wariness of strangers.
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Muscles and brain cells are firing on all cylinders.
Encourage your baby to raise his head and push up on his arms to watch what is happening in the world around him.
Hold your baby upright under the arms. Slowly lower him until his feet touch the table, bed, or your lap to help him get prepared for what standing will feel like.
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Teething, already? Maybe.
Your baby may already start teething by now, so look for signs: drooling, face rash, or crankiness. Also, eczema and food allergies may develop around now, possibly initiated by introducing solids. And if your baby seems interested in drinking from a cup, go ahead and try it.
Outgrowing bowed legs and inward toes
There's no need to worry if your baby's feet seem flat or bent, his legs are bowed, or his toes point inward. Fortunately, these conditions are very common. Your health care professional will make sure that your baby's legs and feet are developing normally. Most minor leg and foot conditions are outgrown during childhood.
Going slow will ease your baby's fear of new people
As your baby interacts even more with his world, his first fear may occur this month - a fear of strangers. This fear is normal. By this time, most babies have developed an awareness and recognition of key people around them, and a mistrust and fear of those who are not familiar.
Although this fear goes away with time and is nothing to worry about, it usually helps to introduce your baby to new people slowly.
Sleep patterns and tips at 5 months.
- Your baby could start waking up more during the night to feed, and might not yet sleep longer than five to six hours at a time. He might still sleep about 12 to 15 hours total every day.
- He might start sitting up and waking himself in the process. If possible, let him try to get back to sleep on his own instead of immediately trying to provide comfort.
- You and your partner should decide beforehand if you are comfortable with this type of baby sleep "training." Many parents call it the "cry it out" method.
Documenting Greatness
Your baby's first year is almost half over, and it's probably been well documented digitally and even shared with family and friends online. This month comes with even more developmental milestones, and new chances to help your baby:
- Develop a strong mind and body
- Deal with fear of strangers
- Outgrowing bowed legs and inward toes
By the end of this month, your baby will probably begin sitting with support, making two-syllable sounds ("ah-goo"), and passing his toys from one hand to another.
