“Each child is unique. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.”

“If you have any concerns related to your child’s own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.” Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.

4 - 5 MONTHS

	Is active and playful. Too active for infant seat. Childproof your home NOW!
	Rolls from side to side. May creep or “commando crawl".
	Holds up chest when lying on tummy by pushing up with hands. May lift both arms and legs while on tummy.
	Leans head forward to grab his toes while lying on his back. May suck on toes.
	Can hold his entire weight on his legs when supported in a standing position.
	Helps pull herself to sitting position. Supports head when held in sitting position.
	Sits with support for longer periods. Try propping with pillows, but never leave baby unattended in this position.
	Reaches and grasps some objects. Begins one handed reach and may transfer objects from hand to hand to mouth. Hand begins to adjust to shape and size of object when reaching.
	Shakes and turns rattle. Loves to grab earrings, glasses, hair, necklaces and bracelets. Carefully studies objects placed in hand.
	Is learning his actions have a result. Hits mobile to make it swing.
	Easily brings objects to mouth. Explores everything with mouth
	Plays contentedly with fingers and hands.
	Usually sleeps through the night and wakes quickly in the morning. May play in crib with a toy before you get there.
	Focuses clearly near and far. Developing depth perception. Sees in full color. Likes orange, blue and green.
	Acknowledges bottle gleefully. Grasps bottle in attempt to feed himself. Enjoys playful exchanges while feeding. May nurse at the breast longer.
	Fascinated with mirror image. Smiles in response to mirror image. May pat image.
	Turns head purposefully in response to human voice. May follow familiar people as they leave the room. Looks where you look.
	Smiles and coos when talked to. May cough for attention. may vocalize to draw mother’s attention when she is engaged in conversation with someone else. Makes raspberries and smacks lips.
	Laughs and giggles while playing and socializing. Will play alone for 10-15 minutes. Loves to play peekaboo.
	Basks in attention. Extends hands like “pick me up”. Will look at floor, squirm and fuss as in saying, “put me down".
	Is intensely absorbed in what is going on. Studies people outside immediate family.
	Just begins to realize objects exist even when out of site. Begins to compare objects to self (i.e. sucks on toes and sucks on toy to feel the difference)
	Explores genitals by poking and pulling.
	Shows discomfort or dislike by pushing things away, pulling or scratching at herself.

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Child Development