Month 5: Many babies are busy little “scientists” – they roll or wriggle to reach things, squeal with delight, grab toys (and your hair) for a taste test, and watch closely to see what happens when they kick, bang, or drop something, before needing a reset of cuddles, milk, and sleep.

• By month 5 many babies still have breast milk or formula as their only food, and parents are often encouraged to follow early hunger cues such as stirring, rooting, or hand-sucking rather than using strict feeding times.
• Feeds can look more efficient at this age, with babies usually latching more quickly, sucking and swallowing in a steady rhythm, then pulling off to look around, smile, or “chat” before deciding whether they want more.
• Parents are often advised to keep offering only milk until around six months unless a health professional suggests something different, and to contact their midwife, health visitor or paediatrician if they are worried about weight gain, very unsettled feeds, or nappies.

• At around five months many babies still sleep for many hours spread across the day and night, but some families notice more of the wide-awake time in the daytime and one or two longer stretches appearing at night, while other sleep periods stay short and changeable.
• Parents are often advised to place their baby on their back in a clear, flat sleep space in the same room as an adult, keeping pillows, duvets, soft toys, and loose bedding away from the face and keeping the room smoke-free to support safer sleep.
• Because brains and bodies are learning so fast, some babies at this age have nights that suddenly become more broken again or take longer to settle, and many parents find it helpful to keep a simple, calm wind-down routine even when sleep patterns feel bumpy.

• By month 5 many babies have a familiar rhythm of wet nappies and soft poos, and parents often notice quickly if the number of wet nappies drops or if the consistency of poo changes a lot from their baby’s usual pattern.
• Some babies poo several times a day, while others poo less often but in larger amounts, and it is common for babies to grunt, go red, or make serious “concentration faces” while still passing soft poo.
• Contact your midwife, health visitor, paediatrician or local emergency service if wet or dirty nappies suddenly become very rare, or if you notice very pale poo, blood, very hard poos, or other changes that worry you.

• Around five months many babies are practising cause and effect, for example kicking to make something move, shaking a rattle to hear the sound, or dropping a toy to see what happens next, and they may repeat these “experiments” with great joy.
• A few times a day, for a few minutes when your baby is calm and awake, you might lay them on a mat on the floor, offer one or two safe toys, sing or talk in simple phrases, and let them reach, grab, and explore with their hands and mouth while you stay close.
• Short, watched tummy time sessions on a firm surface or on your chest help many babies practise lifting their head and chest, pushing on their forearms, and looking around the room, which supports later skills such as rolling and sitting.

Sources

• NHS – Your baby's development from 2 to 12 months
• NHS – Baby moves (play and tummy time)
• HealthyChildren.org (AAP) – Movement Milestones: Babies 4 to 7 Months
• HealthyChildren.org (AAP) – Emotional and Social Development: 4 to 7 Months
• Mayo Clinic – Infant development: Milestones from 4 to 6 months

This content is general information only and is not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby, contact your midwife, health visitor, paediatrician, or local emergency service.