Is there any point in sayng 'no' to a 5 month old?

[MainlyMaynie]

DS is having a phase of grabbing anything he can and examining it by shoving it in his mouth. We're mostly just laughing and pulling it back if we need to (PFB :o). But I have started to wonder if we should be saying 'no' to him when he e.g. grabs a remote. Would he have any understanding? I've assumed not, but then when will he understand?

I wouldn't. Just my personal opinion but I wouldn't introduce the word no at this stage. Just be careful what you leave within his reach and gently take away anything you think he shouldn't have. At this age it's all about exploration. If he chews the remote whats the worst that will happen? It'll get slimy. Just really wouldn't use the word no yet. There's absolutely no need.

The only thing I use no (and a stern tone) for is when he tries to pull my glasses off. What reasoning do you have for not saying no (just curious)?

Waste of time to say no.

I do say no at this age but not on purpose and without expecting them to understand IYSWIM, it's more a natural thing to say.
With DS2 (can't remember with the older two but probably did the same) I used it as a distraction to get him to release from his iron grip whatever it was I didn't want him to have, and more in a fun way as in "no,no,no, phones are not for babies" tickle,tickle remove mobile phone.
He is now 2 weeks off 1 and when someone says no he shakes his head and carries on meddling until he is removed from the situation , he will put things back if asked to even if he tries his luck again two minutes later.

The problem with using the word "no" is that very soon, your child will start saying no back to you, and then it will be no, no, no, no, no.

Now is a good time to start practising words other than 'no', it will help you in the long run. Keep 'No' for when you really need it such as dangerous situations. That way the word carries more authority.

I used the term 'leave it' though sometimes I did feel like I was training a dog. It has worked as 'leave it' and 'no' both work extremely well in situations where I need an instant response. For everything else I give a short explanation - your child will begin to understand words and simple sentences long before they can articulate themselves.

I would be tempted to say "leave it 'aht" in a Phil Mitchell voice worldgonecrazy

I have never found no an issue as long as it's backed up with a reason.

The reason? - Exactly what worldgonecrazy said

I wouldn't have used it that young, just distracted and kept things out of the way, but I said 'Not for DD' or 'nor for touching' once shewas nearer one. At two she will often say 'is that for me to touch?'. Still does of course, regardless of the answer.

No point saying no, in my experience. DD is the same age and likes grabbing things. I find it easiest to offer something 'better' in exchange - the something 'better' being usually a rubbish trade but she's too young to care. I managed to swap my phone for a coloured sock just now. Just make the sock more exciting!

Pointless. At 5 months you shouldn't need to say no anyway - just keep unsuitable things out of reach.

Babies learn about things by using their mouths - don't discourage it.

please offer stuff he can mouth - you are moving into treasure basket territory soon, yay

keep remotes/mobiles whatever away

No makes a very negative atmosphere imo

Thanks everyone, I shall continue letting him happily chew away! I'm failing at keeping everything out of reach as I keep underestimating what's in reach - at the weekend he lunged forward from a friend's knee and pulled a table towards him to get to the remotes! TBH I let him have a quick go on pretty much everything, though I worry about buttons falling off remotes etc. I'm too fascinated by watching him to stop him really

No, would be pointless. Have you got a knackered/old remote he could play with? No is only really effective from about 9m on, and even then is best saved for things that are dangerous rather than aggravating.

I agree with 531800000008 in that saying 'No' makes a very negative atmosphere. An alternative would be to replace the word 'No' in a different language. Assuming your 5 mo isn't familar with the particular language you are using it enables you to make your point whilst maintaining a positive atmosphere. Here's a few that we use:

"Nem!" Hungarian
"Ni!" Irish
"Jo!" Albanian (avoid if child is any one in the household is called Jo)
"Hakuna!" Swahili
"Yok!" Turkish
"Niet!" Russian

If this doesnt prove succesful you could maybe place the remote out of reach?