Every day since birth, your child has delighted you with his new tricks and skills. The fifth month is no exception. Not only does your baby continue to get bigger and bigger, he's also becoming stronger and more active. He's also developing his own little personality for you to get to know and enjoy.
Size
By the time your baby is 5 months old, she will have nearly doubled her birth weight. However, this depends on a number of factors, including genetics, whether she's breastfed or formula-fed, her feeding habits, level of activity and how much she weighed at birth
Getting Moving
At 5 months, your baby will become much more active as she begins to push up and roll around on her own. She may even wiggle around enough to be able to move forward or backward. One of your baby's favorite playthings this month may be her toes. She'll enjoy reaching out and grabbing them to put in her mouth. She'll also begin to realize that she can turn her neck to see the world around her.
Body Expressions
Your baby may show his attachment to you by raising his arms when he wants to be picked up, and by crying when you leave the room. He may also start give you hugs and kisses this month.
Getting Stronger
By the time your baby is 5 months old, she should be able to hold her head steady in an upright position, or while on her stomach. She should also be able to roll over in one direction and grasp a rattle.
Vision
Your baby's eyesight improves greatly this month, and he is getting better at seeing very small objects and tracking moving objects. He may be able to recognize an object after seeing only part of it, such as a toy peeking out from under a blanket. He can also follow an object out of his view.
All Smiles
At 5 months, your baby is beginning to show her sense of humor. She may laugh at silly expressions and try to make you laugh, too. Help her develop this skill by making funny faces.
Warning
All babies develop differently. However, if you're worried your child is not growing adequately or is not meeting developmental milestones, consult your pediatrician.
