There are so many exciting milestones to look forward to during baby’s first year. From that special first smile to when babies hold their head up for the first time, baby milestones are a huge part of your little one’s first year. Baby milestones are also something pediatricians ask about during well visits. As a new parent, you will be on the lookout for those amazing changes happening with your baby.
Rolling over is an important baby milestone because it builds on another noteworthy milestone: crawling. Babies typically master rolling over before crawling, and crawling eventually leads to walking. Rolling over is the milestone that starts your baby off being mobile. Once rolling over begins, it won’t be long before baby is moving across the floor. So, when do babies start rolling over and is there anything you can do to encourage it?
When do babies start rolling over
The important thing to remember when it comes to baby milestones, like rolling over, is that there is a range. Babies develop at their own pace. Most babies will start rolling over between four and seven months. Some little ones may reach this milestone at around the three-to-four-month mark, while others may take until six or seven months. Other babies may fall in the middle and begin rolling over at five months.
Rolling over
It’s, of course, adorable and thrilling to see your baby roll over for the first time. Don’t worry if you don’t catch it on video initially. There will be many more opportunities. That momentous first time will most likely be a belly-to-back roll. This form of rolling over is easier for babies, which is why they typically do it first. Returning to the tummy position with a back-to-belly roll is a bit more challenging because it requires more involved movements to coordinate.
Don’t worry, though. Your baby will soon be able to go from belly to back and return to tummy fairly quickly. If your baby started rolling over at around four or five months, by seven the rolling over and back again will most likely start kicking in. How do you know when your baby is ready to roll over, though?
Signs your baby is ready to roll over
There is a range from four to seven months, where most babies reach the rolling-over milestone. Usually, babies show signs the rolling over milestone is going to happen soon. Some indicators your baby is getting ready to start rolling over include:
- Lifting the head and chest in a baby version of the yoga pose up dog
- Laying on the tummy and rocking back and forth
- Kicking and/or swinging the legs and arms while on the tummy
If your baby isn’t showing these signs yet, don’t worry. Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. There is an easy and fun way to encourage your baby to roll over, and all it involves is a bit of tummy time every day.
Tummy time
One of the best things you can do for your baby is to provide opportunities throughout the day for tummy time. Tummy time is essential for babies because it helps them develop those gross and fine motor skills they need for many baby milestones. So, try to make it a point to have two or three tummy time sessions a day. A tummy time session only needs to be about five minutes long and must always be supervised.
To set up a tummy time session, place a clean blanket on the floor in a safe spot. Place your baby in the middle of the blanket on their tummy, along with one or two toys like a rattle and a small, soft ball. Get down on the floor with your little one. This is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. As you and your baby get into the habit of enjoying tummy time together, you should notice movements like lifting the head, holding the head up, and moving arms and legs, especially to reach you and the toys. To make tummy time more beneficial, try to:
- Lie side by side with your baby to encourage head turning. Don’t always lay on the same side. Switch it up so your baby has to turn right and left.
- Use a rattle or a small toy that makes noises to engage baby’s attention. This also encourages your baby to lift and turn their head.
- Talk or sing to your baby during tummy time. You can even play music. Music, talking, and singing to your baby helps develop language skills.
When you do tummy time, try not to have any distractions. Make tummy time a special time. You can also incorporate older siblings, too. Keep one tummy time for you and baby while adding the kiddos and even well-behaved pets for the others. Just remember to never leave a baby unattended for tummy time, especially with siblings, pets, and toys (with small pieces that may become choking hazards).
Tummy time safety
Tummy time encourages rolling over and eventually crawling. So, don’t stop tummy time when your baby starts to roll over. Once baby becomes mobile, you have to keep safety in mind. Choose a tummy time spot that’s away from furniture and stairs. Once baby can roll over, be extra cautious about not leaving your little one unattended on a bed or changing table. If you haven’t started baby-proofing your home, it’s a good time to start before they master rolling over.
What if baby isn’t rolling over
If seven months have come and gone and your baby isn’t rolling over or started and then stopped, don’t panic. Babies accomplish milestones at their own pace. Don’t compare your baby to the baby at playgroup that started rolling over at three months. Keep doing tummy times and voice your concerns to your pediatrician at your next well visit. Your pediatrician keeps track of your baby’s milestones and will know the red flags to watch out for.
Rolling over is such a hand-clapping baby milestone. It’s also the first baby milestone that puts your baby in motion. Most babies will begin rolling over between four and seven months. Tummy time is essential for helping your little one develop the fine and gross motor skills needed for rolling over and other baby milestones. So, make tummy times part of your daily routine. They’re fun, super cute, and a wonderful way to bond with your child.
