What Happens to a Baby During the Fifth Growth Crisis
 Category | Growth crises |
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Medically reviewed by pediatrician Alexandra Zglavosiy
The fifth growth crisis is all about understanding relationships between objects. Your baby starts noticing: things can be inside, far away, or disappear. Separation anxiety, playful curiosity, and the first signs of willpower may appear. Help your baby feel secure — respond to their signals and play together.
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Quick takeaways
- The fifth growth crisis occurs around week 26.
- The baby starts to notice relationships: near–far, inside–outside, many–few.
- Separation anxiety may appear — the baby now realizes that mom can leave.
- New ways of playing emerge: transferring, pulling out, stacking.
- The baby starts to feel a sense of "self" — showing more will and sometimes protesting.
Developing spatial awareness
At this stage, the baby learns that objects can be inside something or far away. They realize something can disappear from view and still exist.
This is the foundation of object permanence — a major cognitive step that leads to more advanced thinking.
Separation anxiety as a new developmental step
As the baby realizes mom is a separate person, they start to worry when she’s not nearby:
- Crying suddenly if you leave the room
- Waking up at night and calling
- Refusing to go to other adults
This is temporary. It shows attachment developing — it needs confirmation through affection, presence, and routines.
This process builds the baby’s basic trust in the world
Play as a way to explore
The fifth growth crisis often comes with a surge in interest in manipulation:
- 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
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