From the moment our baby is born they are learning new things.  From new sights and sounds, to growing in size, they are making incredible progress at an astonishing rate.  If your baby has now reached the 5th month mark, here are some developments you may be noticing!

5 Months Old Baby Development:

• Improvement in Motor Skills

Though your baby may need to be supported upright with a Boppy pillow or your lap still, they are learning balance and are able to sit for longer periods of time.

It is also common that your baby is able to roll over both from front to back and back to front now.  As always, make sure your baby is protected from dangerous areas, especially stairs with the help of a baby gate!

Your baby can also grab things better now.  They may have a firm grasp, and may even be able to grab their favorite toy and switch it from hand to hand.

• Sleeping Habits

As far as sleep, they should be sleeping through the night by now.  They should also be taking two naps at this point – one during the day and one in the mid afternoon.  Try to make it a habit that you place your baby in their crib when they’re awake.  They should never get used to only going in their crib when they’re already asleep.

• Your Baby’s Sight

When a baby is born, their sight is pretty fuzzy.  It’s hard for them to focus, use both eyes to follow things, and to even see color.  At this point, they can see much better, and they can even see the difference between two shades of the same color.  You may find that your baby is more fond of the primary colors, so consider toys that are red, yellow or blue.

It’s also a good idea to introduce some educational baby DVDs.  This will get your little one’s brain going, and learning new things instantly!

• Progress in Vocals

Babies love to make noise!  Whether they love to scream, coo, or even giggle, every sound is just adorable.  You may find that your baby is very voictrous, or you may find they are pretty calm and quiet. 

• Highly Recommended Toy

Although there are several great baby toys to choose from, there  is one that is really beneficial to babies of this age – an activity center.  With this, they can stand with support, explore new sights, check out the new toys around them, and keep themselves entertained for long periods of time!

Every baby is different, but at this point you will certainly hear them more!  At just 5 months, a baby can start making the sounds of consonants.  Start out by repeating “da-da” or “ma-ma”.  These are easier for them to grasp at first.  Let me tell you though, you will have to repeat them several times before you hear it!

• Increase Sounds

Also, play some music for your baby, or play the TV on a louder volume.  This will get them used to the sounds of everyday activity and will keep it so they’re not frightened from it.  Lastly, don’t be too quiet during their nap.  They need to adjust to things like the wash machine running, as well as you unloading the dishwasher!

As you can see, their progress is pretty amazing!  Be sure to give your little one lots of love, and give them all the attention they deserve, which is a lot!  Also, keep introducing new toys, this creates excitement and great opportunities for them to learn!