When Do Babies Roll Over? How to Encourage It

Some months have gone by since the birth of your baby. Your little one has grown and changed so much in that time, and with every new day they’re more mobile and alert than ever before. One of their early developmental milestones will be rolling over. Soon you won’t be able to keep up with them! Find out when your baby may start rolling over and how to encourage it through play.

When Do Babies Start Rolling Over?

You may be wondering when babies “should” roll over. Rolling over often happens anywhere between 4 and 7 months. But this milestone, like other developmental achievements, could happen at a different time since every baby is unique and develops at their own pace. Read on to learn more about this aspect of childhood development and find out when you can start seeing your baby mastering the milestone of rolling over. Although it’s unlikely for a baby to begin rolling over before 4 months, for example, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. And looking at it from the opposite perspective, don’t be disappointed if your baby is not rolling over at 5, 6, or 7 months because every baby develops differently. Be patient—there’s still time.

When Do Infants Roll from Tummy to Back?

You can’t predict when your baby will start rolling over as this varies from child to child; however, most babies will roll over from belly to back first, before rolling from back to belly. Here’s why:

• Rolling from belly to back is easier because it only needs a small change in gravity.

• Rolling from back to belly requires more complex movements, like rocking, arching the back, and twisting the legs.

When Do Babies Roll from Back to Belly?

Just like rolling from belly to back, you can’t predict the exact age at which your baby will do this. However, it’s common for babies to roll over in both directions by about 7 months of age.

When Do Babies Start to Show Signs of Rolling Over?

Rolling over starts with a few noticeable signs of development. At around 5 months old, your baby may start to show the following signs that rolling over is on the horizon:

• Using their arms to lift their chest and arch their back

• Rocking on their stomach

• Kicking or twisting their legs

• Swimming with their arms.

Developing these kinds of gross motor skills is necessary for your baby to be able to eventually roll over.

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How to Help Your Baby Roll Over

Babies learn by playing and exploring, so what seems like a teaching moment to you will seem like a fun game to them. Take this as an opportunity to encourage their physical development. So, how do you teach your baby to roll over from tummy to back? The answer is tummy time! It’s an activity that you can start when your baby is a newborn infant. Encourage rolling over by placing your baby on their tummy for short periods, with you close at hand. Eventually, you may start seeing your baby rolling over from tummy to back.

Here are some tips for encouraging rolling over during tummy time:

• Have a dedicated space for tummy time. A good place can be on a blanket spread out on the floor.

• Do tummy time two to three times a day for three to five minutes at a time. As your baby gets used to this new activity, you can increase the time and frequency.

• During tummy time, encourage your baby to roll over by showing them a favorite toy/rattle or a mirror, or by making noises. You could also lie side by side with your baby and encourage them to roll over. But avoid pushing or pulling them. Congratulate your baby once they’ve managed to roll over.

• Make sure not to leave your baby unattended during tummy time, and don't let them play with any small toys or objects as these can be a choking hazard.

• And remember to not let your baby fall asleep on their tummys.

How Tummy Time Helps Babies Build Muscle for Rolling Over

Tummy time plays a vital role in helping babies develop the muscles necessary for rolling over. By spending time on their stomachs, babies strengthen their neck, shoulders, arms, and core muscles, which are all crucial for rolling. Wondering when you should start tummy time? Experts recommend starting tummy time as early as the newborn stage for short, supervised sessions to gradually build strength. This positioning encourages babies to lift their heads and push up, building the muscle coordination they need for important milestones like rolling over.

How to Keep Your Baby Safe When They’re Rolling Over

As your baby works on these exciting new skills, keep a close watch on them, especially when you have them on a high surface like a changing table, bed, or sofa. It's safest to always keep a hand on them to prevent them from rolling over and onto the floor. It's never too soon to baby-proof your home, especially if this period of exploration is just around the corner. You might have already done some babyproofing, but now's a good time to take a second look with your more mobile and curious little one in mind. You might want to install a baby gate, for example, or secure furniture that might tip over.

What to Do If Your Baby Isn’t Rolling Over

Your little one may reach certain milestones sooner than others, or they may take a little extra time to master certain skills. This is normal—every baby is an individual and develops at their own speed.

Your baby's healthcare provider will be tracking your baby's growth and development. If you're concerned your baby hasn't rolled over, you think your baby has stopped rolling over, or you have any other concerns about your baby’s development, ask your provider at your next appointment.

Some More Developmental Milestones to Watch for

Seeing your baby roll over for the first time is an exciting moment. Throughout your little one’s infancy, you’ll watch many skills develop as they reach various milestones. Here are some physical developmental milestones you’ll likely see in your baby’s first year or two:

• Sitting up

• Waving, clapping, and pointing

• Crawling

• Taking their first steps.

Remember, each baby reaches these milestones at their own pace, but if you have any concerns about your little one’s development, contact their healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

Giving your baby daily, supervised tummy time is a great way to help build the strength and coordination needed for rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.

Whether your baby has already mastered rolling over or is still getting the hang of tummy time, it’s good to be on top of your baby’s physical development. Before you know it, your little one will be having a great time rolling around, getting up, and running around the house.

When exactly your baby will first roll over isn’t certain, but what is certain is that you’re sure to be going through a lot of diapers around this time. To earn Pampers Cash for all your Pampers diaper purchases, download the Pampers Rewards app today!

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}