While rolling over for the first time is usually a surprise for both the baby and the parents, don’t be surprised if rolling from tummy to back becomes one of your child’s favourite tricks very quickly. Your baby is discovering new ways to move their body, including rolling, as their arms, back, and neck gain strength. Make sure she’s safe on the changing table and anywhere else where all those exciting new moves that come with this huge milestone could lead to a fall or other hazard.
When does this happen?
Some newborns will roll onto one side to sleep in the first few days, but most babies lose their ability to roll onto their sides on their own within the first month.
- Rolling from tummy to back: By 4 months of age, your baby will have gained enough upper-body power and muscle to propel herself up and over from the belly-down position to their back, usually as an unintended outcome of one of their small push-ups while on the tummy. She could show this talent as early as three months.
- Rolling all the way over: While many 4-month-olds are capable of rolling over, most newborns have mastered not only the stomach-to-back roll but also the reversal back-to-stomach technique by the age of six months.
How to help your baby roll over
Getting enough tummy time for your baby will help them develop the strength in their back, neck, and arms she’ll need for the big push to roll over (which is a big step in baby development). Tummy time should begin as early as the first week, with your baby lying face-down across your lap for a few minutes during alert wakeful moments.
Help your little explorer work up to 15 to 20 minutes on their belly every day as the baby’s first-month advances (always under your watchful eye). Start with shorter tummy time sessions — one to five minutes should suffice — and work your way up to longer tummy time sessions if your baby is particularly averse to being on their stomach.
An activity mat with enticing toys is a terrific way to encourage your baby to roll over. Place some “belly bait” beside them so she can reach for it, which will help them grow arm strength and muscle while also allowing them to perform a side roll. (You’re almost there!)
You may instruct your sweetheart how to roll from side to side and then onto their back by doing a gentle roll from side to side and then onto their back — or you can get down on the floor with them and demonstrate a few rolling motions yourself.
What should you do if the baby rolls over in their sleep?
You may notice that your baby starts rolling over in their bed at night after she starts moving from belly to back and back to belly. This isn’t a cause for alarm, but you should keep putting your baby to sleep on her back, even if she doesn’t stay in that position the entire night. Because your child has grown the power and mobility to roll onto their belly, she has also developed the capacity to detect danger while sleeping, making her significantly less likely to become stuck in a position that compromises their breathing.
She’s also passed the high-risk time for SIDS, which occurs between the ages of 2 and 4 months and then tapers off after that. If you’re concerned about your baby rolling over to sleep on their stomach, place them in their cot on their back or side, with one arm outstretched. That way, if she rolls to the side, their arm will be out in front of their chest, and she’ll be somewhat less likely to flop entirely onto their belly since their arm will be tucked below them.
Also keep in mind that all infants develop at their own rate and in their own time, including rolling over. It may take weeks of tummy time for your baby to find out how to roll onto their back by pushing up on their forearms, and even longer for her to figure out how to roll back onto their stomach by tucking their arm under their body or over their head. Simply provide them with plenty of opportunities to practice, preferably on a blanket or mat to soften the inevitable noggin-bonk on the floor. When your child eventually accomplishes her first flip, be sure to shower her with praise, shouting, and support.
What are the following steps once the infant turns over?
She’ll soon be sitting up — first with your help, then on her own — once she’s mastered rolling over and their neck muscles are strong enough to lift their head, both key motor development milestones. She may then begin crawling and eventually master standing. She’ll be ready to take their first steps and walk on their own two feet once she’s mastered crawling and standing with the best of them. If you have any concerns regarding the timing or character of any infant milestones, see your paediatrician as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget to have fun! This is one of the most enjoyable years of baby rolls, grins, coos, and steps.
