Baby Development: Month Five
- He's becoming better at tuning out distractions while playing with a toy
- He can focus on playing and learning.
- He has clear vision and good depth perception
- He may get frustrated by what he can't do yet
One Great Big Exciting/Frustrating Adventure
Things are really happening for your baby these days. He can see better now, and has enough control over his body to make things happen. By the end of the month, he may start moving objects from hand to hand. He may even wrap his hand around something and try to bring it to his mouth (or near it, anyway).
Provide a quiet space for him to play (no TV). This helps him pay attention to his explorations.
His improved depth perception may explain his fascination with moving things, like toys. It may also explain why he suddenly knows that his teddy bear is still his teddy bear, even if it's upside down. This is called form constancy.
Exploring and learning is exciting. Your baby's wriggling and babbling with anticipation proves it. It can also be frustrating when the world is just out of your grasp. But you can make life a little easier on your little explorer by lending a hand. He'll figure it out on his own soon enough.
Learning to Crawl: Scooch by Scooch
Many five- or six-month olds are becoming interested in baby crawling this month—and some are more interested than others. Whether he does it or not is another thing. He might start by “swimming” a little on the floor, or maybe by pivoting while on his tummy. All of these movements are good muscle builders for his neck, shoulders, and upper chest. Be sure to keep an eye on your little mover. He'll get the hang of it when you least expect it.
Baby Games: Month Five
Let him see himself.
Put an unbreakable mirror in your baby's crib so he can look at himself. Be sure it's a good quality so that he can really see his image, and that it has no sharp edges.