Welcome to the fifth month. Your baby is ready for fun, games, and conversation, really any kind of social interaction, the sillier the better.
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Transcript:
Welcome to the fifth month. Your endlessly entertaining, more easily entertained, and just plain yummier than ever baby is ready for fun, games, and conversation, really any kind of social interaction, the sillier the better.
Be prepared for lots of crowd-pleasing giggles, gurgles, and goofiness as she tries out her budding personality on you, the cashier in the store, a random man on the street, a baby in a nearby stroller, the other parents in the playground, really anyone whose eyes she can catch with her adorable antics.
But watch out, baby's doing a lot more than just looking at the world around him. Now, he's touching it, too, exploring everything that's within reach with those hands, and putting everything and anything into that mouth. Foot in mouth, too? Oh yes, that's standard practice for your still phenomenally flexible baby, and there's no better built-in toy for your little one than his toes.
Speaking of toys, offer up plenty that your little player can grasp, mouth, and eventually pass from hand to hand. If baby's still spending much of her days horizontal, the play gym will still be fun, but be sure to switch out some of the dangling toys for interest. Activity bars on your little one's infant seat will provide loads of fun, as will squeaky rubber toys that can be squeezed, banged against the floor, or mouthed. Something that will come in handy if early teething is on tap this month. Soft stuffed animals may become fan favorites, so be sure to provide your cuddly cutie with some cuddly cuties of her own.
What milestones is baby reaching this month? Your little one will probably be able to raise up on his arms when on his tummy and keep his head level when propped in a sitting position. He'll likely be able to roll over and reach for an object. Half of all babies this age will be able to bear weight on their legs when held upright, and many love to take a stand and a bounce on a willing lap. You'll never know unless you try.
Sitting pretty? Most babies haven't accomplished unassisted sitting yet, so many are happy to sit propped up, and a few may be able to balance themselves in a tripod position, AKA froggy-style.
Be sure to listen up, baby's babbling may soon start to include vowel and consonant combos, or breathy coos may still have it. Wet razzes are definitely a baby favorite to give and get.
What's baby eating? It's still all liquids now, with solids more likely to get the green light from the pediatrician closer to the six month mark. If you're unsure how to proceed with solids or when, check in with the pediatrician.
In the meantime, feel good - no, great - about sticking to the breast or bottle for now. Baby's best source of nutrition for the first half of the first year and all your little one needs to grow on. Here's to a happy month five.