Your baby is 5 weeks old—almost halfway through the newborn phase! By now, you may feel a bit more confident about meeting their needs. You’ve learned their hungry cries, their sleepy cues, and maybe even their “just want to be held” fuss.
This week is about noticing the little milestones—tiny changes that show how fast your baby is growing.
What’s Happening with Your Baby at 5 Weeks?
More social interaction. Your baby might start cooing or making sweet little “ahh” sounds.
Eyes are more focused. They may follow your face or a colorful toy for a short moment.
Stronger neck control. During tummy time, they might hold their head up for a few seconds.
First smiles are more frequent. And yes, they melt your heart every single time.
You’re starting to see glimpses of your baby’s emerging personality—and it’s amazing.
Feeding: Growth Spurts Ahead
Around 5–6 weeks, many babies hit another growth spurt. This means:
Feeding may feel more frequent again, even if you thought you’d found a rhythm.
Your baby might seem extra hungry and fussy for a couple of days.
It’s temporary—your baby is just signaling your body (or the bottle) to keep up with their growing needs.
Want to notice feeding patterns over time? Our Best Baby Tracker Apps blog shares tools that make it easier to track without adding stress.
Sleep: Still Unpredictable, But Changing
At 5 weeks, sleep is still a rollercoaster, but you might notice small shifts:
Some babies start giving one longer stretch of 4–6 hours at night.
Naps are still scattered and short.
Babies this age often have a “witching hour” in the evenings—fussy, hard-to-soothe, and wanting constant cuddles.
How to survive it?
Wear your baby in a carrier
Rock, sway, or gently bounce
White noise or soft music can be magical
It won’t last forever. Most babies outgrow this phase by 8 weeks.
Your Body & Mind at 5 Weeks
You’re past the very intense first month, but this is still a tender time.
Physically, you may feel stronger and more mobile.
Emotionally, you might crave more normalcy—like a coffee out, a walk alone, or a short visit with a friend.
You might also feel more isolated now that initial visits and check-ins from family have slowed.
It’s okay to ask for support. Parenting isn’t meant to be done completely alone.
Playtime? Yes, It’s a Thing Now
At 5 weeks, your baby can enjoy a few minutes of gentle play:
Tummy time (even just 1–2 minutes a few times a day)
Slowly moving a soft toy side to side
Singing or talking—they love your voice most of all
Don’t overthink it—you are your baby’s favorite toy right now.
A Gentle Reminder
Five weeks ago, you met your baby for the first time. Look how far you’ve both come.
You’re learning each other. You’re creating a bond that will last a lifetime. Even when it’s hard, you’re doing an incredible job.
So take a deep breath. Notice the little moments—the sweet coos, the tiny fingers gripping yours, the rare but magical smiles. Those moments are everything.