Key takeaways: Five-month-olds are building on 4-month skills like cooing, chuckling, and pushing up on elbows, and working toward 6-month skills like laughing, blowing raspberries, rolling from tummy to back, reaching for toys, and leaning on hands while sitting. Readiness for solids usually comes around 6 months. The CDC’s checklists are at 4 and 6 months.
Five months is a time of reaching, grabbing, and lots of giggles.
Skills Many Babies Have by 4 Months (CDC)
- Smiles and chuckles.
- Coos and responds to your voice.
- Holds head steady.
- Holds and swings at toys.
- Pushes up onto elbows.
Skills Many Babies Are Working Toward by 6 Months (CDC)
- Knows familiar people.
- Likes looking at themselves in a mirror.
- Laughs.
- Takes turns making sounds with you.
- Blows raspberries and squeals.
- Puts things in their mouth to explore.
- Reaches to grab a toy they want.
- Rolls from tummy to back.
- Pushes up with straight arms on tummy.
- Leans on hands for support when sitting.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book follows your baby’s growth and development month by month, from the first hours after birth to the first birthday.
Play Ideas
- Toys to reach for during tummy time.
- Mirror play.
- Back-and-forth babbling.
- Supported sitting with toys in front.
- Textured toys and books.
Solids Readiness
Most babies are ready for solid foods around 6 months. Signs include sitting with support, good head control, showing interest in food, and opening the mouth for a spoon. Talk to your pediatrician.
Safety
- Babies may roll off beds or couches. Change diapers on the floor or keep a hand on your baby.
- Everything goes in the mouth. Remove small objects.
- Lower the crib mattress before your baby can sit.
Talk to your baby’s doctor if: your baby isn’t showing the skills on the CDC checklist for their age, seems very stiff or very floppy, loses skills they once had, or you have any concerns.
The Bottom Line
At 5 months, babies reach, roll, and laugh. Offer floor time, toys to grab, and lots of conversation.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Your Baby’s 4- and 6-Month Milestones
- Your Baby at 3 Months
- Your Baby at 7 Months
- Your Baby at 8 Months
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important milestones: your baby by 4 months; by 6 months. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly
- Zubler JM, Wiggins LD, Macias MM, et al. Evidence-informed milestones for developmental surveillance tools. Pediatrics. 2022;149(3):e2021052138.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Starting solid foods. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
