Baby Milestones

Your month-by-month companion

Month 5

Baby becomes more interactive and may sit with support. Rolling improves and reaching becomes purposeful.

Quick Reference

Sleep

12-16 hours

Feeding

4-6 oz (120-180 ml) per feeding, 24-32 oz (710-950 ml)/day

Naps

3 naps

Wake Window

2-2.5 hours

Talk to your doctor if baby...

•Does not reach for objects
•Does not respond to sounds around them
•Does not make vowel sounds (ah, eh, oh)
•Seems very stiff or very floppy
•Does not show affection for caregivers

When will baby sleep through the night?

"Sleeping through the night" (5-6 hour stretches) varies widely - some babies do this by 3 months, others not until after 12 months. Both are normal. If you're struggling, talk to your pediatrician about sleep training options around 5-6 months.

Should I start solids now or wait until 6 months?

If baby shows all readiness signs (sits with support, good head control, interest in food, no tongue thrust), you can start between 5-6 months after discussing with your pediatrician. Waiting until 6 months is ideal but 5 months is acceptable if baby is ready.

How do I know if baby is ready for solids?

True readiness signs: sits with minimal support, has good head/neck control, opens mouth when food approaches, can move food to back of mouth to swallow. Interest in watching you eat alone isn't enough - they need the physical skills.

Baby still wakes every 2-3 hours - is something wrong?

Frequent night waking at 5 months is common but exhausting. If baby is healthy and growing, it's often about sleep associations (feeding/rocking to sleep). Pediatrician can help determine if baby needs night feeds or if it's habitual waking.

Is screen time really that bad?

AAP recommends no screens before 18 months except video chatting. Reality check: many parents use screens occasionally to survive - don't let perfection be the enemy of good enough. Keep it minimal, prioritize interaction and play, and don't beat yourself up.

ExpectedWhat most babies do
  • •Roll from back to side or back to belly
  • •Sit while leaning on hands for support
  • •Reach for and grasp toys
  • •Bring objects to mouth to explore
  • •Recognize own name (response emerges)
  • •Show more emotions beyond happy/sad
  • •Babble longer strings of sounds
VariesWhat some babies do
  • •Roll both directions
  • •Sit briefly without support
  • •Pass objects between hands
  • •Show stranger anxiety
  • •Explore caregiver's face with hands

What's Next

Month 6 · Month 6 is a milestone month: sitting independently emerges, solids officially begin, and many babies get their first tooth.