The baby is becoming more and more of a real little personality. Now certain character traits, emotions, and preferences show up quite clearly.
Most babies have been able to occupy themselves for quite a while now so that the mother has time to breathe deeply again.
Child’s Development at 5 Months
The baby should now be placed on its stomach more often to play. This allows it to train its neck muscles when lifting its head.
Most babies manage to prop themselves up on their elbows for a short period.
This gives them a better all-around view and can keep an eye out for a toy that they would like to have.
Some babies can already do their first turns from back to stomach or vice versa.
The baby play center should no longer be used that often because the baby is lying on its back underneath and has no freedom of movement.
The baby begins to be more and more interested in his reflection. Toys that are equipped with a mirror now have great play value.
Many feel animals, cubes, or fabric picture books have a mirror somewhere and arouse the baby’s interest.
Many babies now have certain favorite toys. Much more should not be offered, because an oversupply is still overwhelming. A new toy is coming in addition, another should be put away for it.
Fighting Infections as Babies tend to play with dirt
The risk of infection increases and with it the need to give the baby one or the other medicine.
That often sounds easier than it is. Many babies are still unfamiliar with the spoon, so giving juice with a spoon is difficult.
Even the small cups for cough syrup or an antibiotic that are often included in the packaging are not yet suitable for the baby.
Parents should ask for a soft dropper or disposable syringe at the pharmacy, health ally advised.
On the one hand, this allows juices to be dispensed without any problems, and on the other hand, the dosage with such aid is much more accurate.
Many babies find nasal drops simply disgusting. Perhaps a spray can be administered here as an alternative.
Ear drops should be warmed up in the hand because cold ear drops cause even more pain.
Suppositories should also be lukewarm before insertion. A little petroleum jelly makes the whole thing even smoother.
Food Nutrition
A five-month-old baby can show an interest in what the grown-ups eat. It is actually a little early for the introduction of complementary foods, but the baby can sit on the lap and take part in meals and maybe get a spoon to play with so that it gets used to this feeling in the mouth.
It is usually recommended that you only bring the first porridge into play from the age of six months, but some babies are ready for it earlier.
A conversation with the pediatrician or midwife will quickly clarify this.
The baby’s behavior also provides information about whether it is ready for another form of nutrition.
If he follows the food of the other family members with greedy eyes, perhaps a first attempt can be made with mild vegetable puree. Otherwise, the baby will continue to receive milk from the breast or bottle.
Other things
Many babies now show their very own character more and more clearly. It can express feelings better through facial expressions or gestures, which makes it easier for parents to understand their little one.
If the baby wants to be held in the arms, it will stretch out its arms to mom or dad while in bed.
If it is left alone, for example when it is supposed to sleep in the evening and lies awake in bed, it will respond with crying or even deafening screams.
The baby is now more easily distracted from everyday activities in his environment.
That can be difficult if the little one is supposed to take a nap, but life is raging around him because the siblings from kindergarten and school are back.
Therefore, the baby should be accommodated as quietly as possible for sleeping. It can also help to darken the room so that the little ones can better find their way into the land of dreams.
For some babies, the first, small phase of ” strangling ” also begins.
People outside the household who are not in regular contact with them could make them afraid or uncomfortable.