Baby rolling over: when do you do it and when does your baby do it?
When can your baby roll over, at what moments is it your job to help your baby roll over, and what should you actually expect? Rolling over is something many parents worry about and have many questions about. It is good to know that your baby's first rollover comes as a surprise, both for you and for your baby. More often than not, this is seen as your baby's first 'trick'. It lets you know that strength in the back, neck, and arms is growing, making rolling over possible.
When should the baby roll over as a parent?
Your baby cannot roll over on their own immediately, although it is clear that some babies start sooner than others. After all, we are all unique, and that applies to the little ones too. So when should you, as a parent, roll your baby over? Start with some tummy time in the very first week. This doesn't have to be in the crib. You can also place your baby on their tummy on your lap for a few minutes. Do this at a time when your baby is wide awake and alert. Never let your baby sleep on their tummy! As the first month progresses, help your little one roll onto their tummy for 15 to 20 minutes daily. Naturally, it is important to stay with your baby for this duration. Do you want to prevent a baby from rolling over and ensure your baby sleeps safely? Then check out our Snoozzz sleep wrap.
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Building belly time
Some babies love lying on their tummies, but there are also many babies who are clearly indignant when you place them on their tummy. Is this the case with your baby? Then start with short tummy time sessions of no more than five minutes and gradually build up to longer tummy time play sessions. You can use an activity mat with stimulating toys to motivate your baby and eventually teach them to roll over. When your baby reaches for toys, this strengthens the muscles needed for rolling over. You can also gently roll your baby back and forth on their back so that they feel that rolling over is safe.
When can a baby roll over from tummy to back?
It is good to remain aware that some babies are simply a little faster at learning the 'trick' than others. So don't worry if your baby takes a little longer. Some newborns will roll onto one side to sleep in the first few days, but most babies are not yet capable of this in the first month. When can the baby roll from their tummy to their back? On average, you should allow for this at 4 months. This is the time an average baby needs to sufficiently develop the muscles in the upper body to be able to roll over. The more 'mini-push-ups' your baby does during tummy time, the sooner your baby will be able to roll over. There are babies who can do it after just 3 months.
When can a baby roll over – roll over completely
Rolling over completely—from tummy to back and back again—requires a bit more strength from your baby. On average, a baby can roll over by the age of 6 months. However, it is important to know that your baby may be able to roll over sooner, meaning completely, if they also rolled from tummy to back slightly earlier than average. Was your baby actually a bit later than average? Then it often takes a little longer for your baby to roll over completely.
Your baby can roll over: what to look out for?
Once your baby has managed to roll over just once, they discover that this is a whole new trick they can perform with their body. Consequently, it won't stop at just one roll. Your baby wants to explore and will therefore keep repeating the exercise. For you as a parent, this primarily means that you must take this into account. By performing this trick, your baby can also roll over at times when it is dangerous. Your baby has no idea of this. Therefore, ensure that your baby cannot roll over at times when it poses a risk of falling, such as when your baby is lying on the changing table.
Baby rolling over: what if the baby rolls over in their sleep?
Your baby can, of course, also roll over in their sleep. So what should you do? Once your baby can roll over, they will start doing so more often in their sleep. This is not an immediate cause for concern. Your baby has developed the strength and mobility to roll onto their tummy, but has now also developed the ability to sense discomfort while sleeping. Consequently, the baby is less likely to end up in a position where breathing is compromised. The peak risk for SIDS, which many parents are rightly concerned about, lies between 2 and 4 months. Therefore, the highest risk has already decreased by the time your baby can roll over independently.
What if you become very worried after all?
As a parent, you are always worried about your little one. That is understandable; it is part of the experience and nothing to be ashamed of. Are you really worried about your baby rolling over in their sleep? Then you can try laying your little one on their back in the crib with one arm outstretched. If your baby rolls over then, there is a greater chance that the baby will immediately roll back onto their back on their own. Do you want to be absolutely sure that your baby doesn't roll over in their sleep? Then, of course, you can also use the Sleep wrap.
Your baby rolling over is the beginning of a series of tricks.
Can your baby roll over? Then a start has been made on discovering a whole range of tricks.As soon as the baby has mastered rolling over and the neck muscles are strong enough to lift their head—both important motor development skills—your baby will soon start sitting up—first with your help, then without assistance. From there, your baby can start crawling and standing. Naturally, the first steps follow. Enjoy this series of your baby's developments, because before you know it, the most important first milestones will have been reached!
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