5 months

Your baby is learning to…

• Sit with some support
• Use their hands to rake toys towards them
• Roll from front to back
• Stand when held and supported
• Copy your facial expressions and mouth movements

Sitting Up

Your baby may be trying to pull themselves up by now when they are laying on their back. Help your baby develop strong tummy muscles by allowing them to grip your fingers and pull towards you. Once your baby becomes a little stable, sit them up for short periods supported by you. Once your baby becomes more confident at sitting up, place cushions or pillows around them on the floor in case they fall. Make sure that you are always supervising baby if pillows or cushions are near them.

Gathering Toys

You will notice that your baby is beginning to reach for objects that they find interesting. When your child is having their tummy time, surround them with bright and colourful toys for them to see. Your baby will practice making contact with their toys using their hands, and as they develop their skill will improve until they are able to rake their toy towards them.

Rolling

Giving your baby time to roll on their play mat will assist them in developing this skill. Make sure the area is clear and free of unnecessary clutter to maximise baby’s space and movement opportunities.

Standing Tall

Your baby will start to be able to stand up when supported. Offer baby short periods of time where they can stand upright being held by you to strengthen the muscles in their legs. It also gives baby a different view of the world.

Copy Me

Your baby may be trying to copy facial expressions. Lay your baby on your lap, or on the floor and take turns poking out your tongue, smiling, raising your eyebrows and other facial expressions and watch your baby start to copy.

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