5 Month Baby Milestones: Rolling, Laughing, and Almost Ready for Food

5 Month Baby Milestones: Rolling, Laughing, and Almost Ready for Food

Five months is when babies transition from "sleepy potato" to "grabby, laughing, rolling potato." The fun is really starting now.

At five months, your baby is becoming interactive, engaged, and mobile (whether you're ready for that or not). Here's what to expect—and what to watch for.

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Motor Skills: Rolling and Reaching

What Most 5-Month-Olds Can Do:

• Rolling over (at least one direction—often back to tummy)
• Strong head control in all positions
• Pushing up on arms during tummy time (mini push-ups)
• Reaching accurately for objects
• Grasping toys and bringing them to mouth
• Transferring objects from one hand to the other

What Some 5-Month-Olds Are Working On:

• Rolling both directions (back-to-front AND front-to-back)
• Sitting with support (tripod position)
• Rocking on hands and knees (pre-crawling)
• Bearing weight on legs when held standing

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Communication: The Sound Explosion

What You'll Hear:

• Babbling vowel sounds: "Ahhh," "ohhh," "eee"
• Razzing/blowing raspberries: Hilarious and messy
• Squealing: High-pitched happy sounds
• Belly laughs: Real, from-the-gut laughter (at your expense, usually)
• Consonant sounds starting: "Ba," "ma," "da" emerging

Understanding:

• Recognizes their name (may turn toward it)
• Responds to tone of voice
• Shows excitement at familiar sounds (your voice, dog barking)
• Anticipates routines (gets excited when they see the bottle)

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Cognitive Development: Curiosity Intensifies

How They're Thinking:

• Cause and effect: Hitting a toy makes noise → hits it again
• Object exploration: Shaking, mouthing, turning objects to study them
• Tracking: Follows moving objects smoothly
• Problem-solving: Works to get a toy that's just out of reach

Play at 5 Months:

• Rattles and toys that make noise
• Mirrors (mesmerized by reflection)
• Crinkly books and textures
• Peek-a-boo (never gets old)
• Tummy time with toys just out of reach

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Social & Emotional: People Are Interesting

Social Skills Emerging:

• Social smiling: Big smiles for familiar people
• Stranger awareness: May study unfamiliar faces cautiously
• Mirroring expressions: Copies your smile, surprised face
• Attention seeking: Makes sounds to get your attention
• Interactive play: Loves back-and-forth games

Emotional Development:

• Shows frustration when toy is out of reach
• Expresses boredom (fusses when understimulated)
• Displays obvious joy (full-body excitement)
• Comforted by familiar routines and people

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Sleep at 5 Months

Total sleep	14-16 hours per day
Nighttime	10-12 hours (may include 1-2 feeds)
Naps	3-4 naps, 3-5 hours total

Sleep Changes:

• Sleep patterns becoming more regular
• Some babies sleep through the night (many don't—both normal)
• Naps may consolidate from 4 to 3
• Rolling in crib may temporarily disrupt sleep

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Feeding: The Solid Food Question

Signs of Readiness for Solids (Usually 4-6 Months):

• Good head and neck control
• Can sit with minimal support
• Shows interest in food (watching you eat, reaching)
• Opens mouth when food approaches
• Tongue thrust reflex diminishing

Current Feeding:

• Still primarily breast milk or formula
• 5-6 feedings per day, 6-8 oz per bottle
• Some babies ready to start solids; others wait until 6 months
• Check with pediatrician about timing

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When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

Every baby develops differently, but mention if your baby:

• Doesn't reach for or grasp objects
• Doesn't respond to sounds or voices
• Doesn't make eye contact
• Shows no interest in people
• Can't hold head steady
• Doesn't push up when on tummy
• Seems unusually stiff or floppy

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The Bottom Line