Final answer:
At around six months, some infants may start holding their own bottle during feedings, as they develop the ability to pick up and transfer objects from hand to hand. However, not all babies will be able to hold the bottle steadily at five months, as individual development can vary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Although development can vary from one infant to another, generally around six months of age, an infant is capable of picking up objects and transferring them from hand to hand. It is this development of motor skills that suggests that some babies might be able to hold their own bottle during feedings. However, before six months, while an infant can grip objects tightly as noted at four months, it's unlikely that they can hold their bottle steadily and successfully drink from it without assistance.
By the end of the first year, most toddlers have developed the fine motor skills necessary to use a pincer grasp to pick up objects, which may translate to better handling of a bottle. It is essential to note that each child develops at their own pace, and some may acquire the ability to hold their bottle earlier than others. Therefore, a 5-month-old baby might be starting to hold their bottle, but not all babies will be able to do it proficiently at this age.