Which developmental milestone indicates a significant level of motor control at 5 months?

The choice that indicates a significant level of motor control at 5 months is self-supported sitting propped forward on arms. At this age, infants typically display improved trunk stability, which is essential for sitting. They begin to support their upper body with their arms while leaning forward, showing coordination and strength in their back and neck muscles. This milestone reflects the development of the core muscles necessary for sitting independently, a critical step in motor development.

The ability to sit propped forward also enhances an infant’s ability to explore their environment, facilitating cognitive and sensory development. Notably, while rolling from prone to supine and supine to prone, as well as pulling to sit without head lag, are important milestones as well, they may occur slightly earlier or later and don’t directly indicate the same level of stability and strength that is shown in the ability to sit propped forward.