5 months old
Little Explorer Energy
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 5 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hey there, lovely parent!
Five months in! Can you believe it? Your baby is becoming a curious little explorer, and you’re doing an incredible job guiding them through it all.
This stage is all about discovery, and you get a front-row seat.
Your baby might be starting to roll, or rolling all over the place! (If they arn't thats fine too, my 1st only started rolling at 7 months, after she learnt to crawl!) They may be grabbing anything they can reach and bringing it straight to their mouth, recognising familiar faces, and lighting up with those big smiles when they see you. You might even start hearing those gorgeous belly laughs filling the room … things are getting fun!
Activity 1: Roll the Ball
How: Sit with your baby facing you, legs out to the sides. Gently roll a ball toward them. Let them explore it however they like, touching, holding, or even pushing it back to you. When they’re ready, you can add simple language like “back to me” as you roll it to yourself, and “back to you” as you roll it to them.
Baby might still need support to sit, or at least have a few pillows around them- I found my breast feeding pillow handy to put around them while they were learning, and keeping them close enough that you can help them if they start to tip.
✨You can also play this in tummy time position, lay opposite them and gently roll the ball towards them letting them reach out and roll it around.
Why: Builds hand control and early turn-taking, the beginnings of social play.
Activity 2: Texture Treasure Basket (Heuristic basket)
How: Fill a small basket with safe, interesting items from around the house (remember they will end up in their mouth) Aim for a mix of textures and materials, a soft cloth, a sponge, a wooden spoon, a brush, a metal whisk, a silicone lid, a pine cone, a ribbon or scarf.
Let your baby explore at their own pace. This can be a beautiful child led, independent experience. You can sit nearby, responding when they look at you to share, or it can be a great time for you to get those never ending little jobs done. Allowing them the space to discover, compare, mouth, wave, and feel each item in their own way; supporting their curiosities and independence.
Why: Sensory play helps form brain connections. Heuristic baskets spark curiosity, deep concentration, build early problem-solving skills and independence.
✨Extra tip: You can use anything…a basket, a box, even a mixing bowl. Keep it simple with 5–6 items, and swap things in or out over the month if you feel like it. But don’t stress, baby will keep learning from the same objects over and over. This little setup will be a frequent activity for a long time!
Nursery Rhyme: If You’re Happy and You Know It
Perfect for lap play, tummy time breaks, or a little energy reset during the day.
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands
(clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands
(clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands
(clap clap)
You can repeat the same pattern with:
…stamp your feet (stamp stamp)
…shout “hooray!” (hooray!)
…give a cuddle
…change your nappy
Your baby will listening to you sing this, babies start clapping around 9 months or later, but you can clap their hands for them or just let them enjoy watching you, it all important for learning and connecting.
Book of the Month: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
A classic for rhythm, repetition, and building early language patterns. Babies love the predictable pattern and bold illustrations.
Great books never get old with kids. I can recite this one by heart, and now that my 4 and 3 year old can too, they love "reading" it to their baby sister and it’s become really fun to read together taking turns, them finishing the sentences, and using all our silly voices.
When children recite books, they’re strengthening early memory, language patterns, prediction skills, and confidence; all while feeling proud and connected!
Did You Know?
Sensory play fires up more brain connections than any battery powered toy; every new texture baby explores helps strengthen their thinking, attention, and problem-solving pathways.
Remember
Remember on the good and bad days, your there and your doing beautifully!
Social & Emotional Skill Building
When you respond to your baby’s cues, the tiny smiles, cries, or wriggles, they learn: “I matter. I’m heard.”
That simple message builds emotional security, and you’re giving it to them everyday.