Boys 7.5 kg (16.6 lb)
Boys 65.9 cm (25.9 in)
50th percentile (median) on the WHO Child Growth Standards. Healthy babies vary widely around these numbers.
Development at 5 months
Your baby is getting stronger and more coordinated. Many can roll, reach and grab toys accurately, and enjoy making new sounds.
What you might notice
- Rolls from tummy to back, and may roll back to tummy
- Reaches for and grabs toys with both hands
- Blows raspberries and makes new sounds
- Sits with support
- Recognises familiar people
Feeding
Your baby may seem interested in your food, but most babies are not ready for solids until around 6 months. Signs of readiness include sitting with little support, good head control and bringing food to the mouth.
Breast milk or formula is all your baby needs until around 6 months. Feed when your baby shows hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on hands or turning towards the breast. Breastfed babies usually need a vitamin D supplement: the AAP recommends 400 IU a day. Work out formula amounts with our Baby Feeding Calculator.
Sleep
Most babies take 3 or 4 naps a day. Always put your baby down on their back, on a firm, flat surface with no pillows, bumpers or loose blankets. The AAP recommends sharing your room, but not your bed, for at least the first 6 months.
Your checklist this month
- Start babyproofing: secure furniture and keep small objects out of reach.
- Offer safe toys to grasp and mouth.
- Keep reading and talking together.
Is your baby growing well?
Check weight, length and head size on WHO charts with our Baby Growth Percentile Calculator, or work out your baby’s exact age with the Baby Age Calculator.