As a parent, it is ever-satisfying to see your baby accomplishing the milestones of development, with rolling over being one of the most anticipated ones. This would be a very good sign that your toddler is growing up well and that they are gaining ground on their balance. But how old are the babies that roll over? What is more important is how you can make your baby roll over at the right time.
At What Age Do Babies Roll Over?
Most babies roll over between 4 to 6 months on average. Yet, all babies develop on dissimilar schedules, and therefore, some may develop slightly early or late. The following is the outline of the timeline to be followed:
Related: How to Make Your Baby Fart
Back to Tummy (Approx. 4 Months)
The majority of infants will first learn the tummy to back roll. This normally happens when a child is between 4 to 5 months. At this stage, babies have adequate muscular strength in their necks and shoulders, which help them to push around to a tummy position.
For example, as your baby lies on his/her stomach, they will probably try to lift their head and thrust their arm. They will be struggling, and at one point, they will become so weak that their body will roll over.
Related: 10 Ways to Train Your Baby to Sit
Back to Tummy (Approximately 6 Months)
The next milestone is their back to tummy transition, which will most likely occur at the age of 5-6 months. It is harder to roll because it requires better coordination, as well as the ability to engage the muscles of arms, legs, and core.
An example of this can be seen when a baby starts extending their arms or turning their back when placed on their back. The movement may prompt them to shift their body and roll over to the stomach.
How You Can Make Your Baby Roll Over
Though rolling over is a skill that your baby will develop on their own in time, there are several methods through which you may assist your baby in encouraging this primary skill to develop. You can use the following strategies to help your baby roll over:
Related: How to Help Your Baby Turn Head Down
1. Important Tummy Time
The most important component of the muscle development that your baby needs to roll over is tummy time. The more your baby spends time on their stomach, the stronger their neck, back, and arm muscles will become, enabling your baby to push and move their body.
Have scheduled 3-5 minutes of tummy time at a time, a few times a day. As your baby becomes stronger, increase the intervals.
Example: You can place your baby on a clean, soft blanket and put a small, colorful toy or mirror in front of them to encourage and motivate them to reach and raise their head.
2. Trade in Toy Reaching
Toys should be placed just out of reach so that when your baby is lying on their stomach, they will be encouraged to stretch their body weight. This motion will help them overturn.
Example: Place a colorful toy just out of reach when your baby is lying on their tummy. This will encourage them to lean towards the toy, which might help them roll onto their back.
3. Be Softly Supportive
During playtime, you can gently assist your baby. If they are in-between stages, you can reposition their movements so they can understand the rolling motion.
Example: When your baby is lying on their back, you can gently grab their hip to help them roll onto their tummy. This can help them learn how to roll back onto their tummy.
4. The Both Sides Training
While your baby may naturally roll over in one direction, you would want your baby to roll in both directions to help them become symmetrical. This helps with motor coordination as they learn to roll left and right.
Example: Hold a toy or your finger on the side of your baby’s body to encourage rolling in that direction. Do the same on the other side so they can learn both movements.
5. Let Them Change Positions
Back-lying is fine for sleep, but during the day, let your baby take other positions. Role reversal can help them accumulate the muscles needed to turn over.
Example: Try putting your baby in a sitting or side position during play. This will help them develop the core muscles needed to perform more complex movements.
Signs to Know Your Baby is Ready to Roll Over
Your baby will roll over when certain typical signs show that they are ready to do so. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Increased Tummy Time Tolerance: As the baby moves up the ladder of tolerating tummy time, it is most likely that they will be able to roll over soon. Once they gain strength in their neck and shoulders, they will feel more relaxed during tummy time and may want to roll over.
- Reaching and Grabbing: Around 6 months, you might notice your baby grabbing and reaching toward things. This is a good sign that their coordination is improving, and they may be ready to roll.
- Head Control: When your baby has control over their head while lying flat on their stomach, it means they are gaining control over the muscles needed for rolling over.
- Enhanced Mobility: If your baby begins scooting or rotating their body during play, it’s a sign that they are ready to roll.
When to Be Worried?
Although most babies roll over between 4 and 6 months, some may take a bit longer. Do not panic if your baby has not learned to roll over by the time they reach 6 months. However, if you notice other signs of delayed development, such as difficulty controlling their head or poor tummy time tolerance, you may want to consult with your pediatrician.
Conclusion
Being able to roll over is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development, as it means they are getting stronger and more coordinated. Most babies roll over between 4 to 6 months, and with the help of tummy time exercises and gentle guidance, they will learn this skill. Remember that each baby has their own timeline, so there’s no need to rush the process. Enjoy watching your baby grow stronger every day.
Save the pin for later
