5-Month-Old Milestones and Development
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: 5-month-old milestones: by this age many babies roll front to back, often; reach for and grabs toys; and blow bubbles and squeals. There's no CDC checklist for this month, so these are skills often seen between checklists. Every baby develops at their own pace. If your baby loses skills or you're worried, talk to your pediatrician.
TL;DR
- Typical now: rolls front to back, often; reaches for and grabs toys.
- WHO median weight: 7.5 kg boys, 6.9 kg girls.
- Talk to your pediatrician early about any concern or lost skills.
Here's what 5-month-old milestones usually look like, how growth compares with WHO standards, and simple ways to support your baby this month. Milestones are a guide, not a test: a wide range is normal.
5-month-old milestones checklist
- Rolls front to back, often
- Reaches for and grabs toys
- Blows bubbles and squeals
- Recognises familiar people
Five-month-olds are busy getting ready for the 6-month skills: rolling, reaching and grabbing with both hands, and making lots of new sounds. Many show early signs of readiness for solids.
Growth at 5 months
| WHO standard at 5 months | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Median weight | 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) | 6.9 kg (15.2 lb) |
| Typical weight range (3rd-97th percentile) | 6.1-9.2 kg | 5.5-8.7 kg |
| Median length | 65.9 cm (25.9 in) | 64.0 cm (25.2 in) |
WHO growth standards are what the CDC recommends for children under 2. A single number matters less than your baby following their own curve over time. Check a measurement with the growth percentile calculator and see average baby weight by month.
How to support development this month
- Toys slightly out of reach to encourage rolling
- Peekaboo
- Sitting with support
You don't need special toys. Talking, reading, floor time and responding to your baby's cues do most of the work.
Feeding and sleep at this age
Feeding: 5-7 oz (150-210 ml) per formula feed, about 5-6 feeds a day; solids: not yet for most babies. Sleep: 12-16 hours, with 3 naps. See the 5-month-old feeding chart and 5-month-old sleep schedule.
Checkups and when to act early
No routine US visit; note any concerns for the 6-month checkup. The CDC encourages parents to act early: if your baby is missing milestones, loses skills they once had, or you have any concern, talk to your pediatrician. Don't wait for the next visit. Tot lets you note milestones and growth so you have dates ready for the appointment.
Related: baby development month by month · 4-month-old development · 6-month-old development · milestone checker · growth chart tracker
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Sources
- CDC: Developmental Milestones (Learn the Signs. Act Early.): www.cdc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- WHO: Weight-for-age standards: www.who.int (accessed 21 October 2026)
- WHO: Length/height-for-age standards: www.who.int (accessed 21 October 2026)
- CDC: WHO Growth Charts for children under 2: www.cdc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Corrected Age for Preemies: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
What should a 5-month-old be doing?
Many 5-month-olds roll front to back, often; reach for and grabs toys; and blow bubbles and squeals. Ranges are wide, and premature babies are usually assessed by corrected age.
Is it OK if my 5-month-old hasn't reached a milestone?
Babies develop at different speeds. Mention it at the next checkup, or sooner if your baby has lost skills or you're worried.
How much should a 5-month-old weigh?
The WHO median at 5 months is 7.5 kg for boys and 6.9 kg for girls, but a wide range is healthy. Following a steady curve matters most.
Should I use corrected age for my preemie?
Yes. The AAP advises using corrected age for development and growth until about age 2 or 3. Use the [corrected age calculator](/tools/corrected-age-calculator).
Can I track milestones in Tot?
Tot focuses on feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicines. Log weight and height to see growth charts over time. [CONFIRM: milestone logging]
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