5-Month-Old Baby Development: Highchairs, Humor & Holding His Own (Bottle)
You never imagined catching up on sleep would be more important than catching up on reality TV. Thank goodness for midday Top Chef marathons ... and for the fact that your baby isn't into her own TV shows yet.
What You're Thinking: "I'm ... so ... flippin' ... tired."
Baby Milestones
- Is your baby doing push-ups yet? Let him play on his tummy during the day and soon he'll be pushing up on his arms like an Olympic gymnast. This little yoga pose will also help him build the muscles he needs to roll over both ways.
- Baby is learning all about cause and effect now. He'll love experimenting with his newfound knowledge by dropping his bottle and waiting for you to bend over and pick it up. He'll get a kick out of doing it again and again and again and you'll think it's utterly adorable ... the first seven times and then ...
- If your baby is bottle-fed, he may be strong enough and coordinated enough to hold his own bottle now. You can let him feed himself, but don't prop up a bottle or leave him alone to fall asleep while sucking on the bottle as this can be a choking hazard. (And don't worry if he's not doing it yet. It may take much longer, since all babies develop at different rates.)
- Your little comedian is also developing a sense of humor. Practice your stand-up routine as post-nap entertainment and watch your baby laugh as you make faces, cross your eyes or do your best Barbara Walters impression.
Mommy Milestones
- You got your baby down for the night before 8 PM (woohoo!) and had time to spend with your honey before you passed out for the night ... at 8:30.
- You splurged on a haircut and a new lip gloss "just because"—and it felt fabulous!
- You discovered soft and plush stuffed animals make excellent pillows for adults.
- Breastfeeding has become like going to the bathroom: You don't think much about it, you can do it in the dark and no matter where you are, you find a place to do it.
Home Front
Believe it or not, your baby's dining chair won't be your lap forever! With solid meals right around the corner, it's time to start considering a high chair (if for no other reason than it's tough to get strained peas out of your favorite khakis). We've got some things you'll want to consider while you're looking for baby's first seat at the table.
Choosing a High Chair
Everything you ever wanted to know ... and were just about to ask ...
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Best Humor Books for Moms
Buy it: Stor-a-Stroller
Store the stroller in the trunk and still have room for something else!
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All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street—you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
report abuseBuy it: Stor-a-Stroller
Store the stroller in the trunk and still have room for something else!
Share It: Lonely New Mom
Feeling isolated since the birth of your baby? You're not alone!
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: More Month 5 / NEXT: Baby Development: More Month 5
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street—you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
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