How Can I Help My 5-Month-Old Baby’s Development?

Babies at 5 months of age are developing rapidly.

As a parent, it is a pleasure to get involved in your 5-month-old baby's development.  Parents play a critical role in promoting infant development socially and physically. At this age, learning and play are inseparable. Hence, spend time with your baby to help them reach their developmental milestones

Talking to your baby

You can promote your child’s development by

• Asking questions to your child.
• Responding to your child’s coos and gurgles.
• Describing what you see, hear and smell to your child.
• Using simple words such as baby, cat, go, hot, walk and cold.

Read to your baby

Reading to your baby develops speech and thought.

• Make sounds while reading, so that your child mimics them.
• Use large, brightly-colored picture books.
• Point to and name some common objects.

Changing positions

You should often change the baby's position by laying them on their abdomen for a few minutes while you supervise them. While the baby lies on their abdomen

• Hold a colorful toy to make noises to encourage your baby to lift their head.
• Hold your baby’s hand and gently pull them up to a standing position.
• Once your baby’s ready, try a sitting position. Make sure to place pillows for support or hold the baby while they sit.

Play favorite games

Try playing favorite games with your baby to develop their physical and motor skills.

• Play peekaboo with your child.
• Hide one of your baby’s toys with the corner of a blanket and encourage them to find it.
• Ask your child playfully, “Where are your toes?” then touch your child’s toes and say, “Here are your toes!”

Offer simple toys

Babies at this age often enjoy colorful toys, especially those that make sounds. You can

• Try a musical toy, rattle with a handle, softball or wooden spoon.
• Put out only one or two toys at a time for your baby to focus on.
• Place one toy out of reach to encourage your baby to stretch and creep.
• Shake a rattle behind your baby’s head and let them turn and grab it.

Take time to cuddle

Give your baby all the cuddles and love that they deserve. Also, do not forget to

• Give gentle caresses and tender kisses to make your baby feel safe and secure.
• Hold or rock your baby and talk slowly or sing soothing songs.
• Cuddle, talk and play with your baby while feeding, dressing and bathing.
• Hold, talk to and smile at your baby.

Let the child set their pace

• Give your baby a break when they are upset or fussy.
• Try to understand their unique personality, temperament, likes and dislikes.
• Respond to your baby’s needs to build trust.

Turn on the music

Sing to your child or play music to calm, entertain or teach your baby.

Teach cause-and-effect

Also, pick up a toy when the baby drops it on the floor and give it back to help teach cause-and-effect.