5 Months

In the first six months babies get all the nutrients they need from breast milk or from first stage infant formula. There is no need to introduce any solid foods before this time. If you need support with breast or formula feeding look at our information in the 9-12 weeks section.

You should never wean before 17 weeks (4 months). If you are thinking about starting solids early, discuss this with your Health Visitor, Family Nurse or GP before you start.

Until your baby is around 6 months old:

• All equipment must be sterilised.
• Any tap water used must be boiled and cooled.
• Foods must be pureed (your baby won’t be able to cope with lumps).

You can find more information in the Fun First Foods booklet. This leaflet is available in other languages. It is also available in audio format.

Your baby can move an object from one hand to the other. They can also now hold an object in each hand. Keep offering them toys and objects with different textures. Remember to have some within reach and others that are just out of reach. 

Your baby is now starting to drop objects. Although this can be annoying they enjoy the response and social interaction. They can't control where they drop it yet. You can help them practice this skill by asking your baby to give you a toy. Start by placing their hand and the object on the palm of your hand, so that they only have to let it go. Use the same words/phrase whenever you play this game. Take it in turns with your baby. Move further away from your baby as they get the hang of this game.

When lying on their back, your baby will touch their knees with their hands. This helps them to get ready for sitting.

When you place your baby on your knee you can feel them using their tummy muscles. This also helps to get them ready for sitting independently. They now start to enjoy movement through songs and actions whilst sitting on your knee.

Care Routines

Your baby is putting their hand on the breast or bottle while being fed. They are now enjoying bath time and some of the other care routines. They are starting to anticipate what is going to happen next during routines too. Keep talking and singing to your baby during care routines.  

Teeth Brushing

Brushing your teeth is an essential part of looking after your body. You should be brushing your child's teeth at least twice a day. You can find out more from:

• The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) A Practical Guide to Children's Teeth
• Childsmile Oral health for babies: birth to 3 years old

Listening and Understanding

Your baby loves to listen to your songs and rhymes. Your baby will stop and listen to your voice even if they can't see you. They will stop and turn to familiar noises like a favourite rattle. Your baby enjoys it if you do something funny and will look forward to you doing it again and again.

Talking

If you make noises and wait, your baby will try to copy you. Your baby will laugh, chuckle and blow raspberries. Soon they will start to make sounds on their own like 'ma' and 'ba'. Your baby knows that you will respond if they make a noise like a squeal and they love this.

Interacting 

Your baby will scream with annoyance if you take something they like away or if they can't reach it. They enjoy interacting in everyday routines like bath time. Find out more from CBeebies Parenting Songs to sing to baby all day long.

For more information look at Parent Club Top tips for chatting together with your baby.

Your baby is starting to see colours and how far things are away from them. Things in the distance might still be a bit blurry.

Your baby not only smiles at their reflection in the mirror but recognises that it is themselves they are seeing. Find out more from CBeebies Parenting Playing peekaboo with babies.

They might start to display stranger anxiety and become upset around people they don't know.