Adjusted age: measured from the due date
Brace yourself! At 5 months, many babies start the first phase of an activity and growth spurt that will leave parents breathless. It may also raise some questions. Is my baby catching up fast enough? Will my baby’s rough start have long-term effects? Will my baby remember the hospital? Am I spoiling my baby? Will my baby ever sleep all night?
Talk with your baby’s health care provider about concerns you have. Feel free to call the NICU Follow-Up Program. We can answer questions, give you ideas to promote growth, and, if there is a delay, we can refer you to the appropriate services. (Remember: Until your child is 2 years old, use adjusted age as your benchmark. Adjusted age is based on original due date, not actual birth date.)
New foods
When your doctor recommends starting solid foods, you may find that your baby rejects new tastes or textures. Many preemies are sensitive to textured foods. Wait three or four days; then offer it again. As you add new foods, combining a new texture with a known and liked food can help with the transition. It is important to keep trying. Babies need practice chewing, moving food around in the mouth, and swallowing. They are learning to use muscles they will later use to talk.
Home safety
Your baby is moving around and exploring with all the senses. Safety is a major concern now. Thoroughly “baby-proof” your home to prevent accidents.
Be sure to:
Here’s what 5-month-old babies might tell you... if they could!
Movement
I like to:
I enjoy it when you:
Playing
I like to:
I enjoy it when you:
Thinking
I like to:
I have fun when you:
Communicating
I like to:
I enjoy it when you:
NICU Follow-Up Program
612-813-6722 Children’s - Minneapolis
651-220-8063 Children’s - St. Paul
Last reviewed 12/2015
This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.
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