Developmental milestones: rolling over

When do babies start rolling over?

Your baby will probably be able to roll over from their front to their back when they're about five or six months old when their neck and arm muscles are strong enough (CDC 2023a, Sharma et al 2022). They'll then learn to roll from their back to their front from about six to seven months (Sharma et al 2022). All babies develop at different rates though. Some babies manage to roll over as early as four months (NHS Inform 2023), whereas others may take longer or learn other skills instead (Sharma et al 2022).

Your baby may take you by surprise by suddenly getting the hang of rolling over. That's why it's so important never to leave your baby unattended when you're changing their nappy on a raised surface. Just in case, it may be a good idea to get into the habit of changing their nappy while they're lying on the floor.

How will my baby learn to roll over?

Newborn to two months

Giving your baby tummy time from day one will help your baby to develop the muscles they need to learn to roll over (AAP 2023a, NHS Inform 2023). Tummy time encourages your baby to move their arms and legs, and build up their muscles in their neck, shoulders and upper body (NHS Inform 2023).

Some babies don't like being on their tummy at first. Being in this new position can be a strange experience for your little one. It's best to build up gradually and seek advice from your health visitor or doctor if your baby was born prematurely, has reflux disease or has other special needs, such as Down's syndrome (AAP 2023b).

Start with several short bursts of tummy time a day (NHS 2023), of around three to five minutes each, perhaps after changing their nappy or after they've had a nap (AAP 2023a, b). Try to distract them with a toy or get down to where they can see you, and offer lots of encouraging smiles and chatter (AAP 2023a).

You could try propping them up a bit by putting a small, rolled-up towel under their arms, until they get used to the feeling (APCP 2016, NHS 2023a). Or have them lying on your chest or on your forearm, with their head well supported (APCP 2016). If they're still upset, stop the activity and try again another time.

Three months to four months

When you put your baby on their tummy at three months, they may be able to lift their head and shoulders off the floor using their arms (Sharma et al 2022). This mini push-up helps them strengthen the muscles they'll use to roll over. In the coming weeks, they may amaze you, and themselves, by rolling from their front to their back (NHS Inform 2023).

Encourage your baby to push up with their arms by putting a toy just out of their reach above them. This will tempt them to raise themself by straightening their arms to see the toy better. You could also try holding a toy at their eye-level a short distance away. This will encourage them to push up and reach for the toy (AAP 2023a, NHS 2023).

Five months to seven months

Your baby may be able to lift their head, push up on their arms, and arch their back to lift their chest off the ground (Sharma et al 2022). They may also rock on their stomach, kick their legs, and swim with their arms.

All of this exercise strengthens their muscles. By the time your baby is about six months or seven months old, they're likely to have learned to roll over in both directions (Sharma et al 2022).

Although most babies learn to roll over by seven months, not all do (NHS Inform 2023). You may find your baby skips that move and progresses straight to sitting and crawling or bum-shuffling (Sharma et al 2022). As long as your baby carries on gaining new skills, and shows interest in getting around and exploring, they're making great progress.

What should I do if my baby rolls onto their front to sleep?

Even though you should always put your baby down to sleep on their back because it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as they get older they'll probably get themselves into different positions, including sleeping on their front. If you see that your baby has rolled onto their front, you can gently roll them on to their back.

Once my baby can roll over, what will they do next?

The muscles your baby uses to roll over are mostly the same as the ones they use to crawl and sit unsupported (APCP 2016). Your baby's neck, back, legs and arms will grow stronger from their rolling activities.

By about eight to nine months, they can usually sit up confidently without any support. They'll also be able to move in and out of sitting by kneeling and then crawling (Sharma et al 2022).

How can I encourage my baby to roll over?

You can help your baby to roll over through play. Try wiggling a toy at their side to encourage them to roll towards it (AAP 2023a). If they manage to roll, applaud their efforts and smile. They may need your reassurance because this new body move can be alarming.

These other tips will help too:

• Spend lots of time with your baby in tummy time every day. This can be lying on you, across your lap or on the floor playing in different positions.
• Use toys and textures that are interesting to play with and attract their attention, such as noisy toys, toys with bright colours and flashing lights or blankets with different textures. Put their toys a little out of reach to encourage them to move.
• Give them opportunities to practice tummy time and side-lying several times a day. Start with short periods and gradually build up to bursts of 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
  ( AAP 2023b, Somerset NHSFT 2023)

Once your baby starts rolling, try to encourage them to roll in both directions. This will help them develop balanced muscles on either side of their body. It may also help avoid lying on the same part of their head, which increases the chance of flat head syndrome (AAP 2023a). Use a well-loved toy to motivate your baby to roll in the direction they favour least.

Rolling over is a milestone that will probably amuse you both, and watching your baby discover this new ability can be amazing. Of course, while rolling over is fun for them, it could be nerve-racking for you. Once your baby starts wriggling and rolling, you may want to keep a hand on them during nappy changes.

My baby is six months old and can't roll over yet. Should I be concerned?

Babies develop skills differently, some more quickly than others, and some babies never really take to rolling over. If your baby hasn't worked out how to roll over by the time they're about six months or seven months old, and isn't showing signs of trying to sit unsupported either, mention it to your health visitor (CDC 2023a, b).

If your baby was born early (before 37 weeks) or with a condition linked with developmental delays, such as Down's syndrome, bear in mind they may reach this and other milestones later than most babies (AAP 2020, NHS 2023b).

Find out when your baby may hit these physical milestones:

• Crawling
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking