What is an expected finding when assessing a 5-month-old infant?

An expected finding when assessing a 5-month-old infant is the presence of the Babinski reflex. This reflex, which involves the toes flexing upward when the sole of the foot is stroked, is a normal reflex observed in infants up to about one year of age, signaling the proper functioning of the nervous system at this stage of development. The Babinski reflex is essential as it indicates neurological development and is an expected part of the infant's growth trajectory.

Other developmental milestones, such as sitting up without support or saying simple words, typically occur later as the infant grows older. For instance, the ability to sit up without support usually develops around 6 to 8 months, and speech development begins with cooing and babbling before evolving into the ability to say simple words, which generally occurs around the first year of life. Rolling over in both directions often emerges around 6 months as well. Therefore, the presence of the Babinski reflex aligns with typical developmental expectations for a 5-month-old.