Dexterity is an important skill that your baby is working on this month. By now, your baby can probably accurately reach out with one hand and trap an object in a mitten-like grab.

Babies will start to hold toys in their hands, inspect them carefully, and then transfer them to the other hand and start sucking on them. With this improved coordination comes the ability to grasp different-sized objects. And just wait until she grabs your hand and doesn't let go.

What you can do:

At 5 months of age, you'll see your baby explore each toy by twisting, shaking, sucking, and banging it. Most babies will love a roly-poly toy that comes back up when it's knocked over, or anything that can be pushed with their feet. Big cushions to crawl over, soft balls to toss, and squeeze and-squeak toys are all big favourites this month. Babies also enjoy toys of different shapes, textures, and bright colours. Getting out and about during this month will also help expand your baby's horizons. Take your child for a stroller ride-try a different route each time for your daily walks. If it's rainy, visit the mall, a museum, or even an art gallery. Sunny days are perfect for exploring the park, the zoo or a wildlife center. The key is to give your baby (and yourself!) lots of bright, interesting things to look at as you walk. As your baby develops visual skills, you'll find that mirror games are a big hit, too. Hold your baby up in front of a mirror as you point out "Mommy" and "Baby." Books featuring black-and-white line drawings of various facial expressions are also popular with babies at this age - or make your own faces and silly expressions.

This month, some babies may:

• Reach accurately for objects as eye-hand coordination improves.
  
  
• Hold their heads steady when sitting upright as neck muscles strengthen.
  
  
• Sit supported for up to 30 minutes, and sit alone for a few moments as back muscles strengthen.
  
  
• Rolls from their stomach to their back.
  
  
• Raise their chest with arm support while lying on their stomach, as arm muscles get stronger.
  
  
• Mimic sounds and gestures.
  
  
• Repeat strings of syllables in a rhythmic way.
  
  
• Babble to get attention.
  
  
• Show positive reaction to different sounds.
  
  
• Make different sounds for different needs.

The skills described above generally appear during the indicated time frame. But don't worry -all babies are unique and develop at different rates. Talk to your doctor if you become concerned about your baby's health and development - at any time.