From the moment your baby arrives, you’ll find that your journey together is filled with a series of developmental milestones—each one paving the way for the next until your little one grows up (and let’s be honest, they’ll always be your baby). It’s a wonderful progression that seems to fly by, which is why you’re likely eager to celebrate the next significant achievement on your child’s developmental path. If you have an infant, you’re probably wondering, “When do babies start to roll over?”
Ah, yes… the first step towards mobility! While there will be many milestones between this and your baby’s eventual first steps—such as sitting up, crawling, pulling up, cruising, and eventually running around the house—the first big movement is rolling over. Here’s what you can expect when they hit this rolly polly milestone.
Can a 2-month-old baby roll over? A 3-month-old baby?
While it’s not common for a 2-month-old to frequently roll over, some babies may achieve this skill as early as 3 to 4 months. Since each baby is unique, it’s hard to predict exactly when your little one will master this new ability.
What we do know is that babies often surprise their parents when they roll over for the first time. This makes it crucial not to leave your baby unattended. You wouldn’t want your little nugget to roll off a changing table or get into a tricky situation due to an unexpected roll. The last thing you want to hear when you turn your back is a “thud” as your baby tumbles to the floor.
Rest assured, many parents have been in this situation, and typically, babies are fine as long as the fall isn’t from a great height. It’s always wise to contact their pediatrician if an unfortunate rollover incident occurs, but try not to stress too much about it. For added safety, consider placing a soft area around your little one whenever they are on an elevated surface.
Can a baby roll over too soon?
There’s no established guideline that says a baby can roll over too soon. In fact, some newborns may start rolling onto one side shortly after birth. However, this ability usually diminishes within the first month. If that happens, your baby will likely begin rolling over independently around the average age of 3 to 4 months.
When do babies roll over from belly to back?
And how about rolling from back to front? Typically, babies will roll from belly to back first, as it requires less coordination and muscle strength. They generally learn to flip from back to front about a month or two later.
When are babies skilled at rolling over?
Many 4-month-olds can successfully roll over, and by the time they reach 6 months, most babies are capable of rolling both ways and moving around the room quite a bit.
How can you encourage your baby to roll over?
To help your baby become a little rolly polly, ensure they have plenty of tummy time. This will strengthen the essential muscles in their arms, back, and neck that are needed for rolling. Additionally, you can place a blanket or a toy slightly out of reach to encourage them to stretch and reach out with their arms, as long as you’re supervising.
An excellent motivator for movement is an activity mat! With its enticing sounds and textures, an activity mat placed just beyond your baby’s reach could spur them on to roll over.
How soon after rolling over does crawling start?
Once your baby begins rolling over, you may want to prepare for the next milestone: crawling. Around six months, you might notice your little one rocking back and forth on their hands and knees. By nine months, you could very well have a full-fledged crawler in your home.
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In summary, rolling over is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development, usually occurring between 3 to 4 months of age. By ensuring plenty of tummy time and providing engaging toys, you can encourage your little one to reach this achievement. Always remember to supervise your baby closely during this phase to prevent any accidents.