Top tips on encouraging your baby to roll over
Nikki Stevenson
Nikki Stevenson
In this article
Parenting is full of little triumphs - especially those movement milestones. Sometimes, the excitement gets a bit much. Like when you're barely 2 months into parenting and start wondering how to encourage your baby to roll over.
It’s an exciting milestone that sets the stage for more mobility, from crawling to those first wobbly steps.
Rolling over not only enhances your baby’s physical abilities but also fosters their curiosity about the world around them. As parents, we often find ourselves eager to celebrate these milestones, and teaching your baby to roll over can be a rewarding experience for both of you.
But what if your little one seems a bit hesitant to do a baby roll?
This guide is packed with fun and easy tips to encourage your baby to make that first roll with confidence.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or just need a refresher, we’ll break down the process into simple steps, ensuring your baby has a safe and supportive environment to practice.
Developmental milestones related to rolling over
Babies go through several developmental stages before they are ready to roll over. These milestones signal readiness for rolling and contribute to their overall physical and cognitive growth.
Head control: By around 3 months, babies start to gain better head control. They can hold their heads up for a few seconds while lying on their tummies. This is crucial because strong neck muscles are needed for the rolling motion. As babies develop this skill, they also gain confidence, which is essential for attempting more complex movements.
Pushing up: As babies spend more time on their tummies, they start pushing up on their arms, lifting their chest off the ground. This typically happens around 4 months and helps to strengthen their upper body muscles. The ability to push up is often linked to increased coordination, which plays a significant role in achieving the rolling motion.
Rocking and twisting: Around 5 months, babies may start to rock from side to side or twist their bodies. These movements are the precursors to rolling over and indicate that your baby is building the necessary strength and coordination. During this stage, you might notice your baby experimenting with different positions, which is a vital part of their learning process.
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When do babies show signs of rolling over?
Babies typically begin to show signs of rolling over between 3 to 6 months of age. However, every baby is unique and develops at their own pace.
Early signs that your baby might be ready to roll over include increased head control, pushing up on their arms during tummy time, and rocking from side to side.
These movements help strengthen the muscles necessary for rolling over.
Ways to encourage your baby to roll over
While there’s no single track to baby-rolling, you can support their muscle development and encourage the big move.
1. Assist your baby to roll over
Gently guiding your baby through the rolling motion helps them understand what it feels like and build their confidence. Place your baby on their back and slowly roll them to their side, then onto their tummy.
Use a gentle, encouraging tone to keep them relaxed and engaged.
This interactive approach not only aids physical development but also reinforces your emotional bond.
2. Try different toy placement
Using toys to motivate your baby to move is a fun and effective way to encourage rolling. Place a favourite toy just out of reach to one side while on their back or tummy. This encourages your baby to reach, twist, and eventually roll over to get to the toy.
You can switch sides to ensure they practice rolling in both directions.
3. Provide ample tummy time
This is essential for developing the muscles for your baby to roll. Aim for several short sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets stronger.
Ideally, your baby should be able to tolerate a total of 1-2 hours of tummy time by three months. It helps strengthen the neck, shoulder, arm, and back muscles, all of which are crucial for rolling over.
Make tummy time more engaging by lying down next to your baby, encouraging them to interact with you.
4. Use different tummy time positions
Experiment with different positions to keep building those essential muscles. Place your baby on their side with a rolled-up towel behind their back for support. This position can encourage them to roll onto their tummy when baby begins the movement.
You can also place them on their tummy and help them push up on their arms, which strengthens their upper body.
Switching positions keeps the experience stimulating and fun.
5. Exercise!
Try gently moving your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion or encouraging them to reach for toys while lying on their back. These movements help develop core strength and coordination, making it easier for your baby to roll over.
You might also try singing songs or playing games during these exercises to make them even more enjoyable.
6. Creating a safe environment for baby play
Safety is paramount when encouraging your baby to start rolling over. Ensure that the area where your baby practices rolling is free of sharp edges, small objects, and other potential hazards. Use a soft mat or blanket on the floor to cushion any falls and always supervise your baby during their practice sessions.
Make sure you are always with them during these face-down activities to prevent the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
What to do when your baby keeps rolling out of tummy time
It’s not uncommon when babies roll out of tummy time, especially once they start getting the hang of it. Here are some tips to handle this:
Reposition frequently: If your baby keeps rolling out of tummy time, gently reposition them back onto their tummy. Consistency is key, so encourage tummy time even if they roll over frequently. Each time you place them back, it reinforces the importance of this practice.
Use toys and distractions: Engage your baby to roll with toys or a mirror to keep them interested in staying on their tummy. Strategic toy placement can encourage them to stay in position longer. Using bright colours and sounds can make tummy time more appealing.
Short and frequent sessions: Instead of long tummy time sessions, try shorter but more frequent intervals throughout the day. This can prevent frustration and help build strength gradually until baby starts to gently roll. Incorporating tummy time into your daily routine can help make it a natural part of their day.
Addressing these challenges with patience and creativity can help most babies make the most of tummy time and develop the skills they need to roll over confidently.
Common concerns from parents
Parents often have several concerns when it comes to their baby’s development milestones. Here are some common worries when getting baby to roll and how to address them:
My baby hates tummy time
Some babies resist tummy time, making it challenging to build the muscles needed so baby rolls over. To make tummy time more enjoyable, try placing a mirror or favourite toy in front of your baby. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your baby gets more comfortable.
Be calm and use encouraging language. Even though you think they can’t understand the words, they will get the intent behind supportive dialogue.
My baby only rolls in one direction:
If your baby only rolls to one side, it might be due to a preference or slight imbalance in baby’s muscles when they are weight shifting. Encourage baby to roll to the other side lying position by positioning toys or yourself on the side they don’t usually roll towards. This gentle prompting can help them develop a more balanced skill set.
My baby gets frustrated easily:
If your baby gets frustrated during tummy time or while attempting to roll over, it’s important to provide encouragement without pushing too hard for baby to roll. Take breaks and try again later, always ensuring that the experience is positive and stress-free. Incorporating playfulness can turn these moments into enjoyable interactions.
When to worry about baby not rolling over
While every baby develops at their own pace, certain signs might indicate a need for professional advice.
Keep an eye out for the following red flags.
Lack of muscle tone: If your baby seems very floppy or stiff, it could be a sign of a developmental issue. Keep an eye on their muscle tone for insights into their overall development.
No attempts at movement: By 6 months, babies should be making some attempts to roll or move around, even if they haven’t mastered the skill yet. If your baby isn’t making any attempts, it might be worth a chat with a healthcare provider.
Asymmetrical movements: If your baby is using one side of their body more than the other or having trouble coordinating movements, it’s a good idea to discuss this with a healthcare provider. Early intervention can really help!
If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. And remember, if your baby was born prematurely, they might hit this milestone a little later than their full-term peers.
Frequently asked questions
1. What if my baby skips rolling over and starts crawling?
While rolling over is an important milestone, some babies may progress to crawling without spending much time rolling. This can be normal, but ensure they have ample opportunities to develop their muscles through tummy time and other activities.
2. How much tummy time should my baby have each day?
Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of tummy time each day. This can be broken into shorter sessions throughout the day to make it more manageable and enjoyable for your baby.
3. Is it safe to use baby gear like bouncers and swings?
While the occasional use of bouncers and swings is fine, ensure your baby spends plenty of time on the floor where they can move freely and develop their muscles naturally.
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Nikki Stevenson
Follow +Nikki is a parenting writer and a mom to three wild boys who keep her on her toes (and occasionally make her question her sanity). With over 15 years of experience in the parenting industry, she has more tips and tricks than Mary Poppins on speed dial. When she's not typing away at her keyboard, you can find her sipping on coffee, hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of...