Babies start teething around this time. Although it is very cute to look at the two cute baby teeth, it can be very uncomfortable for babies. Babies drool more than usual when they start to teeth. As a result, they will try to ease the irritation by biting onto anything that they can find.
Sometimes babies will bite your nipple while you are breastfeeding them. It might be painful and your first instinct might be to scream in pain and scold your baby. However, there are alternative approaches that are calmer. Politely remove anything that your baby isn’t supposed to bite from the grasp. You could offer a specifically designed chew toy or a teething ring that can help your baby without causing any harm.
How much has your baby grown in the fifth month?
If your baby has been eating normally and is healthy, the normal rate of growth should continue till six months of age i.e. they should be adding somewhere between an inch in height and about 900 grams in weight.
Your baby’s gross motor skills
A five-month-old can push up their head and body when they are on their tummy. They will roll around on their own and flip around while they are on the bed. Remember to keep your baby safe because they could fall down while rolling. Your baby will reach and grab for toys around them. So, try to keep harmful substances away from them.
While they are playing with you, your baby will be able to sit with some support on their back.
How will your baby communicate?
Did your baby just turn when you mentioned their name in a conversation? Babies at this age can recognize their name and respond to you as well. So, it might have just happened.
What should you feed your baby?
Your baby should drink about 1 liter of milk in the entire day spread throughout various feeds. You might need to feed your baby about 5 to 6 times a day. How and when a baby prefers to drink will be different for each baby and you shouldn’t try to fit them into a standard schedule. Try to understand when your baby likes to be fed and set your schedule accordingly.
Social and emotional skills at this age?
At this age, your baby will also become way more expressive. They will start responding to your baby talks with smiles. So, your time spent with them will no longer feel one way. They will make more random noise which will be more engaging and entertaining.
Best toys for this age?
They will be playing with their toys during their tummy time. Some toys recommended for babies this age are:
- Soft fabric toys
- Colorful fabric block toys
- Knot ball
- Teething ring
- Colorful crib toys
- Ratting toys
Make sure that all of the toys that you buy during this time are safe and soft.
How much will your baby sleep?
By the fifth month, the babies will be able to sleep through the night. Sometimes they might wake up for a feed or two and some nights they will sleep through the entire 10-11 hours night. During the day, your baby will take naps of about 3 to 5 hours long about twice a day.
