The ability to roll over is one of the major milestones for your newborn baby, as it marks a shift in their mobility and muscle control.
As a general guide:
- Babies can roll from tummy to back during playtime first,
- Followed by rolling from back to tummy during playtime,
- And soon after, they may roll from back to tummy during sleep.
However, this may not be the case with all babies! Some babies start rolling as early as 2 months, while others may start closer to 6 months. Additionally, the beginning stages of learning to roll might look different for each baby.
Here are some common early signs of rolling:
- Throwing both arms over to one side.
- Arching their back.
- Swaying hips from side to side.
- Voluntarily lying on their side while awake.
These are all intentional, non-reflexive attempts by your baby to turn!
Why Do Rolling Timelines Vary So Much?
Research shows that motor milestones, like rolling over, are influenced by a baby’s unique characteristics and environmental factors, such as parenting styles, cultural norms, and opportunities for practice. For example, in some cultures, babies reach milestones earlier or later depending on how they are held, carried, or encouraged to play. Therefore, instead of relying on a single 'average' age for all babies worldwide, it’s more useful to think of milestones as developmental windows - timeframes during which most babies achieve a specific skill.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your baby hasn’t started trying to roll over by 6 months, it may be a good idea to consult a paediatrician. Early intervention, if needed, can provide valuable support for your baby’s development.
How Can Parents Encourage Rolling?
Tummy Time:
Tummy time plays a big role in this development, as it strengthens the muscles in a baby’s neck, back, and core. As babies gain head control and begin to push up with their arms, they naturally start experimenting with rolling. Place your baby on their belly for short, supervised sessions throughout the day to build core strength. Place a toy slightly out of reach to encourage your baby to reach, twist, and roll. Offer positive reinforcement and clapping to motivate babies to keep trying.
Swaddle your baby with Arms Free to move, in the Fetal Flex Position:
Rolling over requires coordination, strength, and practice. The Fetal Flex Swaddle allows your baby’s arms to move freely in the naturally soothing fetal flex position, providing ample opportunities to practice fine motor skills. This hand position supports the development of your baby’s midline behaviour, promoting deliberate and coordinated hand movements — all of which are practiced, even while your baby is sound asleep.
What to do once baby shows signs of rolling?
It is essential to discontinue swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of being able to roll. At this stage, swaddling can pose a safety risk. Instead, use a safe sleeping bag, such as our 2-IN-1 Swaddle Transition Bag, which allows your baby to safely roll and push up. Our 2-in-1 Swaddle Transition Bag simplifies the transition out of swaddling and provides an alternative for babies who haven’t yet rolled but may not enjoy swaddling.
