At five months many babies become very unhappy if left alone for a long time on the floor or in their baby bouncer. They want to be at the same level as everybody else and where all the action is.
Now many babies figure out how to roll over from back to stomach. It can happen any time, so whatever you do, don't leave your baby on the couch or bed.
Also, if you co-sleep, the baby must sleep in the middle or by the wall. I didn't think that one of our babies could roll over until I saw her doing it while asleep!
Your 5-month-old baby might have become strong enough to support himself with his hands for a short period when placed on his tummy. Crawling is now only a few months away!
If standing up, he is may be jumping like crazy.
Some 5-month-old babies have started to recognize their name. They understand that they are being talked to when they hear this particular sound.
Sometime around five months, most babies start using their whole hand instead of just a couple of fingers when trying to grab something. This means they manage to grab more or less anything. Watch out!
Some babies also learn how to move objects between their hands and also love using toys to pound that floor or table.
At 5 months, babies are passionate people and show it. Your baby may reach his arms for you when you come to pick him up and may kiss you all over your face if he gets the opportunity. He may also cry in protest if you disappear out if his sight.
Just as he is passionately in love with his dear ones, the 5-month-old may start being more reserved when it comes to strangers. This will only increase during the next few months. Respect your baby's feelings and protect him against (for him) unknown people who wants to carry him if he doesn't seem to enjoy it.
Language development continues. 5-month-old babies will start making different kind of sounds, often including some consonants into their range of "words".
5-month-old babies love hearing different sounds as well as seeing funny faces. This is a great way to play with your 5-month-old!
Singing and dancing is also popular.
Go to a play ground and place your baby in an infant swing. Chances are he will love swinging. You'll have to find a swing with a high back to support your baby's back and head. And no hard pushes!
Have some skin contact with your baby. Take your top of both yourself and him and cuddle him. Chances are your baby will become very happy. My youngest almost tried to swallow my shoulder when he got the opportunity at this age.
Babies of this age are also likely to discover how fun it is to splash water. Bathe with your baby and splash around together.
With the new abilities to put everything into his mouth, your baby will enjoy all sorts of rattles and small stuffed animals.
Make sure that some part of the toy is small enough for the baby to suck upon - tail, nose or something. My children have become furious after a while, when they have tried to put a too big toy into their mouth.
And whatever you do, don't cut off the little piece of cloth with washing instructions (unless, of course, they might fall off). Chances are your baby will love this little piece of cloth even more than the actual toy!
An unbreakable baby-safe mirror, so that you baby can talk to "another" baby, while on the floor is fun. Balls and toys that make sounds are exciting.
If your baby likes jumping on your lap, a baby jumper can be a real success. If using one of these, be very sure to read the instructions, so that you use is in a safe way. And never leave your baby unattended.
A roly-poly toy that rights up itself is a fun new toy to introduce now, particularly if your baby has learned to sit or support himself on his elbows when lying on his tummy
