Month 5

Purpose of Toys for a 5-Month-Old Baby

At five months, babies are often becoming more mobile, with many learning to roll over. They are also improving their dexterity and coordination. The toys for this stage are selected to support rolling, holding two items, and mouth exploration, which is a primary way they learn about the world.

Textured Teething Rings

This is the peak age for mouth exploration. Babies love to put things in their mouths to learn about their texture, shape, and taste. Textured teething rings provide a safe and stimulating way to satisfy this curiosity while also soothing their gums, which may be tender as they start teething. The various textures on the rings provide different sensations, and the easy-to-grasp shape encourages them to pick up and hold the toy.

Stacking Cups (for Banging, Mouthing)

While a 5-month-old can’t stack cups yet, they are the perfect toy for a variety of other activities. Babies love to bang the cups together to create noise, which reinforces the concept of cause and effect. They can also easily grab and hold the individual cups, which helps them practice holding one item in each hand—a key developmental milestone. The cups can also be mouthed and chewed on, making them a multi-purpose toy.

Fabric Books with Flaps

Fabric books are excellent for this age. The soft pages are safe for mouthing and are often crinkly, which provides auditory stimulation. The addition of flaps to lift and explore introduces the concept of object permanence in a fun way. As they lift the flaps, they discover what is underneath, which helps with hand-eye coordination and provides a delightful surprise.

Baby-Safe Silicone Brush or Teething Glove

Many babies this age are starting to get their hands in their mouths, and a teething glove or silicone brush provides a safe and satisfying object for them to chew on. A glove is particularly useful as it can’t be dropped, and the different textures of a brush provide a variety of sensations for their gums. This not only soothes potential teething discomfort but also provides a hygienic alternative to constantly mouthing their hands.