What to expect on 5 months old babies

5 month old, first week

www.babycentre.co.uk/stages/1500/

How your baby's growing

Your baby can't express his emotions in the same complex way that you can. Although he can let you know in clear ways when he's angry, bored or happy, his ability to show love and humour are just developing. Your baby also shows a strong attachment to you by raising his arms when he wants to be picked up and by crying when you leave the room. He may also give you hugs and kisses.

He'll laugh at funny expressions and try to make you laugh, too. Keep the laughter flowing with your silly faces!

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Let’s play

Two great games for you and your baby to play this week.

Your life: sex as new parents

Finding the time and energy for sex as new parents is challenging enough. And then there's the small matter of the third party in your room or down the hall, ready to wail at the least opportune moment. But with a little planning and effort, anything is possible!

Flirt. Flirting isn't the same as foreplay. It's sexual play without the intention of immediate sexual activity. Flirting with your partner (in person, on the phone, or by e-mail, for example) helps both of you get in the mood.

Time it right. You don't always have to "sleep when the baby sleeps." At nap time or bedtime after your baby's had a busy session of play or outside activity, you can feel pretty assured that your baby will sleep for at least an hour.

Make a "date." You don't have to dress up and go out — simply plan ahead to stay in. When you're parents, sharing massages or taking a shower together while the baby sleeps count as dates.

Keep a sense of humour. Be ready for things not to go as usual. If you're breastfeeding, for instance, you may see some milk leak or spray (so have a towel handy). If your baby does start to cry, don't rush to her rescue; wait a few minutes to see if she settles back to sleep. If she does settle down, you may find that the mood has been broken anyway. Don't call the whole thing off. Start back with slow, gentle foreplay and see what happens.

Parent tip: shopping secrets

"When buying round neck or polo-neck tops for your baby, make sure they have poppers at the neck. It makes it easier and a lot less painful getting it over your baby's head. Also, the long ones with poppers between the legs are best because they stay tucked in." - EKB
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