What Happens to a Baby During the Fifth Growth Crisis
 Category | Growth crises |
|---|
The fifth growth crisis often comes with a surge in interest in manipulation:
Play as a way to explore
- Transferring toys from one hand to another
- Banging, throwing, watching where things fall
- Putting objects in a container and taking them out
- Observing what happens when something drops
This is how the baby learns action and reaction — and their own ability to influence.
More will and more fussiness
The baby starts to feel “I want to do it myself.” They may refuse food, turn away, or fuss when something doesn’t work.
This is not bad behavior — it’s part of learning control and impact.
How to support your baby
- Respond when the baby calls — it builds confidence
- Offer safe ways to “take charge”: toys that spin, open, or stack
- Don’t fear “tantrums” — calmly name feelings: “You’re upset because it didn’t work”
- Play peek-a-boo and “find the toy” — it supports object permanence
- Avoid disappearing silently — a quick goodbye is better than sneaking off
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fifth Growth Spurt
When does the fifth growth spurt happen?
The fifth growth spurt typically occurs around 26 weeks of age. During this stage, babies begin to understand relationships between objects, such as near and far, inside and outside.
Why does my baby suddenly have separation anxiety?
Babies start to realize that parents are separate people who can leave and return. This new understanding can make them more clingy, upset when you leave the room, or reluctant to go to unfamiliar adults.
What new skills appear during the fifth growth spurt?
Many babies begin transferring toys between hands, putting objects into containers and taking them out, dropping items to watch what happens, and exploring simple cause-and-effect relationships.
How can I support my baby during the fifth growth spurt?
Respond consistently to your baby's signals, play games like peek-a-boo and hide-and-find, and offer toys that can be stacked, opened, or moved. These activities help build confidence and support emerging cognitive skills.
With care
Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.
Sources
- Plooij FX, van de Rijt-Plooij H. The Wonder Weeks: How to Stimulate Your Baby's Mental Development and Help Him Turn His 10 Predictable, Great, Fussy Phases into Magical Leaps Forward. Kiddy World Publishing; 2017. ISBN: 978-9491882166
- Child growth standards, WHO, https://www.who.int/tools/child-growth-standards/standards. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- 12 month developmental milestones, UK National Health Service, https://www.cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/child-development-and-growing-up/milestones/12-months/.
- National Research Council (US) and Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development. From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Shonkoff JP, Phillips DA, editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000. PMID: 25077268. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077268/.
- and de Onis, M. (2006), WHO Motor Development Study: Windows of achievement for six gross motor development milestones. Acta Pædiatrica, 95: 86-95. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2006.tb02379.x. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- CDC’s Developmental Milestones, U.S. Centers for disease control and prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- Toddler Developmental Milestones & Safety, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22625-toddler-developmental-milestones--safety. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- Misirliyan SS, Boehning AP, Shah M. Development Milestones. 2023 Mar 16. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32491450. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32491450/