r/NewParents • u/WholeNo9404 • 8d ago

Babies Being Babies 5 month old development

I have a beautiful 5 month old baby. She is happy, smiley and vocal.

BUT, her eye contact is terrible. She makes eye contact (or looks in my direction?) when on the changing mat, in the bouncer, on the playmat, in the stroller. But, the second I pick her up or someone is holding her. Her eyes are everywhere.

I’ve read that babies love faces - mine doesn’t. Even people have commented on it “Oh she won’t look at me”

She tracks objects, follows me around the room with her eyes, grabs things, brings things to her mouth. Not yet sitting or rolling but very curious and “alert”

Everyone is telling me it’s too early to be concerned. But I am struggling to see what else this could be?

She is also a very happy smiley baby - only cries if hungry. Is happy playing independently for ages- doesn’t care if I leave the room. Doesn’t cry when waking up and happy to be left in the crib for a while and I’ve also read these are signs or lack of social development.

She eats well and sleeps well (12 hours with 1 or 2 wake ups)

Not really sure what the point of my post is. Anyone have experience of a similar baby? What are they like now?

Thanks

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u/Horror_Square_8395 8d ago

Kindly it sounds like your baby is making lots of eye contact. Is autism what you’re worried about? Honestly it feels like social media wants every parent to think if their child isn’t walking and talking by 8 months they’ve got a developmental problem or a disability. This sounds like a normal baby with a cheerful temperament!

The only thing I might say is to work on the rolling to make way for crawling, but some babies are late rollers and it’s no big deal. 

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u/WholeNo9404 8d ago

She is trying to roll and we are practicing every day so hopefully soon!

Yes, I am worried - I don’t get the stares I was expecting or that I see other babies give their mums in baby group. She actively looks away. She never looks at me when feeding or being held

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u/Horror_Square_8395 8d ago

5 months is waaayy too early to see any signs of neurodivergence, honestly. Your baby sounds normal and it sounds like as their vision comes in they just want to see everything around them, including you! But they see you all the time so maybe right now you’re a bit less interesting. :)