👶 Young baby
Your 5-month-old baby
Getting ready for the big world of food
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
Development at 5 months
Five-month-olds are often busy: rolling, pushing up on straight arms, and reaching accurately for toys they want. They pass objects between hands, explore everything by mouthing, and recognise familiar people.
Feeding
Milk remains the main event. Watch for the three signs of weaning readiness developing: sitting up with support and holding the head steady, coordinating eyes-hands-mouth, and being able to swallow food rather than push it back out.
Sleep
Many babies settle into a rough pattern of a longer night stretch plus a few naps, but there is a huge normal range. Sleep needs total roughly 12–15 hours including naps.
Play & connection
Treasure baskets of safe everyday objects, stacking cups, and lots of talking and singing. Mirrors are a hit. Keep toys within reaching distance to encourage stretching and rolling.
Focus this month
Get your weaning kit ready — a few soft weaning spoons, bibs, a splash mat and a suitable highchair — so you are set up rather than scrambling at 6 months.
When to check in
Mention it to your health visitor if your baby is not rolling at all, not bearing any weight on their legs when held, or is not interested in reaching for things.
Your 5-month-old baby: common questions
What should a 5-month-old baby be doing?
Five-month-olds are often busy: rolling, pushing up on straight arms, and reaching accurately for toys they want. They pass objects between hands, explore everything by mouthing, and recognise familiar people. Remember this is a typical range — healthy babies reach milestones at very different times.
How much should a 5-month-old baby sleep?
Many babies settle into a rough pattern of a longer night stretch plus a few naps, but there is a huge normal range. Sleep needs total roughly 12–15 hours including naps.
What should I feed a 5-month-old baby?
Milk remains the main event. Watch for the three signs of weaning readiness developing: sitting up with support and holding the head steady, coordinating eyes-hands-mouth, and being able to swallow food rather than push it back out.
Sources & further reading
- Baby — development and milestones — NHS Start for Life
- Safer sleep advice — The Lullaby Trust
This is general information, not medical advice — every baby develops differently and the ranges here are typical, not targets. Your health visitor and the NHS red book are your personal sources of truth. If you're ever worried about your baby's development, health or feeding, speak to your health visitor or GP. Reviewed July 2026.