When Do Babies Roll Over?

When Do Babies Roll Over?

While crawling and walking are big milestones to look forward to, it's rolling over that gets a little upstaged. If your baby is between the ages of 4-6 months old, you'll likely experience this new milestone that is just as exciting for your baby as it is for you!

No two babies are the same. As a parent, it can be so easy to fall into the trap of comparing your baby with other babies around the same age. I'm fairly certain it's just a natural part of new parenthood, but most parents get wise when they realize that although little Suzy from across the street might be able to roll over at the early age of 2 months old, she couldn't even sit up until she was 9 months old. Moral of the story? The age at which your child rolls over has little to do with what type of person they'll grow up to be, so don't worry too much about it.

'Normal' Varies Between 4-6 Months

Although ranges of normality exist for when your baby should learn to roll over, don't get too caught up in what's expected. In the end, some babies roll over as early as two months (I speak from experience), and others roll over around 6 months or later. Whatever happens, don't worry. Each baby grows and develops at his or her own pace, but if you have real concerns about your baby's development, consult with your child's pediatrician.

The Specifics of Rolling

Before babies start to roll, they will do a mini push-up by lifting their head and neck up and looking around. They may even prop themselves up with their arms and hands, which is one of the final steps before completely rolling. Kicking their legs, or "swimming" their limbs, during tummy time are also good signs. You'll notice that your baby's upper body strength will build over time, which is one of the key factors in learning to roll over. It might sound silly, but rolling over really is a big deal to babies. When they first achieve this motion, it tends to be from belly to back (although babies choose both ways). Their initial attempt might leave them in tears since rolling is rather a sudden motion. Don't let it upset you, though, as baby will soon be practicing their new favorite trick all the time! Once your child is rolling over, it's vital to do a quick assessment of your childproofing. It might surprise you what your baby can get into with just a quick roll, so keep things off the floor and out of the way. Most importantly, never leave your child unattended on an elevated surface where they could roll or fall off--such as a changing table, bed, or couch.

When to Worry

Some babies are late bloomers with their milestones, but this isn't usually reason to worry. However, if your baby is still not rolling over by 6-7 months of age, it's probably good to bring it up with your pediatrician. They'll be able to check for any signs of limp or overly tight muscles that could be preventing your child from rolling over, and will tell you what exercises to do if your child happens to have a motor delay.

Now that you know the specifics of rolling, you're ready for when it comes. Update your childproofing before a big milestone hits to make your life easier, and you'll be ready for anything!

Featured Image PC: @april.for.days
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