In the fifth month, you will start to see signs of your baby crawling. Brain development will continue and your baby will be fascinated with moving objects from side to side.

Baby Development: Month Five

  • They are becoming better at tuning out distractions while playing with a toy
  • They can focus on playing and learning.
  • They have a clear vision and good depth perception
  • They may get frustrated by what they can't do yet

One Great Big Exciting/Frustrating Adventure

Things are really happening for your baby these days. They can see better now, and have enough control over their body to make things happen. By the end of the month, they may start moving objects from hand to hand. They may even wrap their hand around something and try to bring it to their mouth (or near it, anyway).

Provide a quiet space for them to play (no TV). This helps them pay attention to their explorations.

Their improved depth perception may explain their fascination with moving things, like toys. It may also explain why they suddenly know that their teddy bear is still their own teddy bear, even if it's upside down. This is called form constancy.

Exploring and learning is exciting. Your baby's wriggling and babbling with anticipation proves it. It can also be frustrating when the world is just out of your grasp. But you can make life a little easier on your little explorer by lending a hand. They will figure it out on their own soon enough.

Learning to Crawl: little by little

Many five- or six-month olds are becoming interested in baby crawling this month—and some are more interested than others. Whether they do it or not is another thing. They might start by “swimming” a little on the floor, or maybe by pivoting while on their tummy. All of these movements are good muscle builders for their neck, shoulders, and upper chest. Be sure to keep an eye on your little mover. They will get the hang of it when you least expect it.

Baby Games: Month Five

Let them see themselves.  

Put an unbreakable mirror in your baby's crib so they can look at themselves. Be sure it's a good quality so that they can really see their image, and that it has no sharp edges.

Encourage them to mingle.

Put your baby with other babies. Let them look at each other, smile, make sounds and reach out to touch.

Reference

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