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Ask Dr. Ana: How Should My 5-Month-Old's Motor Skills Be Developing?

Dr. Ana answers how 5-month-old motor skills typically develop, highlighting fine and gross motor milestones while reminding parents that every baby progresses at their own pace.

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Updated: May 15, 2025
Baby
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Updated: May 15, 2025

Question:

How well should a 5 month old motor skills work?  

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

In terms of fine motor skills, a 5 month-old baby, generally: 

  • Touches fingers together 
  • Begins reaching with both hands at the same time 
  • Is able to reach and grasp a small toy using with both hands 
  • Touches, shakes, or bangs an object on a table or hard surface  
  • Can put things in his mouth or move them from hand to hand.  

In terms of gross motor skills, a 5-month-old baby, generally: 

  • Can hold their head on their own (or trying to) 
  • Is starting to move their body more by rolling, reaching and wriggling 
  • May be sitting up with some support and use their hands for balance when they are sitting 
  • Can bear weight on their legs when stood up 
  • Can push onto their elbows from their tummies 

Remember that most babies reach these milestones around the age of five months, but each baby develops at a different pace. Some will do one or a few of these things sooner and others will take a bit longer. If at any point you are worried about your child’s development, talk to your doctor.  

I hope this information is useful.  

All the best, 

Ana 

Dr Ana Aznar 

Do you have questions for Dr. Ana? Ask for free today!



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Dr. Ana Aznar

About Ana

Dr. Ana Aznar is the founder of REC Parenting. She is a psychologist with a passion to support… Read more

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