What to expect of a 5 month old (1019)

Baby has lots of energy! Baby seems to be moving all day when she isn't asleep. Many 5-month-olds can move around by rolling or wriggling. You'll need extra patience to keep up with her.

Baby knows her mom and dad from strangers, and may cry when one of you leaves. Don't sneak out! Tell her you will be back.

Soon baby will show signs of being afraid of people he doesn't know well. Let your baby get used to new people slowly.

Baby may like toys that make noises now. Ring a bell or squeeze a squeaky toy and watch him try to find out where the sound came from. Then let baby try it himself. Say different sounds. Does baby copy you?

Baby has discovered her feet and may love to suck on her toes. She is getting stronger and may start to push up on her hands and knees. For safety, remove toys that are strung across the crib, like crib gyms.

From this age on, your baby will be very interested in toys that she can touch, look at, chew, suck, and bang together.

Baby's first year is filled with milestones#the first smile, first tooth, first time sitting alone. Learning to talk is a process with many steps. Physical development is the same way.

In between the milestones of sitting, crawling, standing, and walking are smaller steps. Your baby's control starts with his head and moves down to his feet. He learns to control his trunk first, then his hands and feet.

One baby may sit sooner than another, but every baby first holds up her head and neck, then learns to use her arms and hands and finally her body, legs, and feet.

If your baby seems to be developing more slowly than other babies, remember he has to do things in order and on his own schedule. Some babies take turns#first working on language, then grasping and later sitting and crawling, for example.

Speedy physical development by itself does not mean she is advanced in other areas. And, slow physical development doesn't mean she is slow in other areas. If baby is very slow, talk to your doctor.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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