Here’s a List of a Lot of Things That You Need to Know When Your Baby Starts Rolling Over

Undoubtedly, it’s a delightful sight when you see the apple of your eye rolling over. It is great fun because rolling over is one of the major milestones for your munchkin. Rolling over is considered the first stage of mobility and it tells you that your baby has acquired strength in his/her neck, upper body, arms, and back. If you wish to learn more, you can also use a baby motor skills development chart.

If your baby has just started sliding with their hands or rolling over, then congratulations! Your baby is doing great! However, you may want to keep a few things in mind during this stage. You can continue reading through this article to learn more about some of the important things that mothers usually miss out on when their baby starts a new journey!

At What Age Do Babies Start Rolling Over?

According to medical science, there is no specific time or age for babies to begin rolling over because all babies grow differently. Some babies begin to roll over when they turn 3-4 months old whereas some can’t do it even if they are 6 months old. Most babies between 5-7 months become so flexible that they master the skill of rolling over from side to side, back to front, and front to back comfortably.

The rolling phase of your baby motor skills timeline may last for about 2 or even 3 weeks. If you feel like your baby hasn’t shown any progress yet, then consider seeking medical attention. Your baby may be suffering from an unknown muscle condition or might just be a late bloomer. Either way, it is important that you constantly keep a track of your baby’s progress since every milestone they complete is sure to bring you great joy!

What Are Some Of The Precautions One Must Take When Their Baby Starts Rolling?

Seeing your munchkin rolling over might give you immense joy but you must take certain precautions because your baby may end up hurting themselves. A few of the precautions that you can take include the following:

1. Lay Your Baby On The Mat

You must lay the baby on the mat that has been placed on the floor while dressing the baby or changing his/her diaper. Avoid placing your baby on any raised place or table or any place that is at a high altitude. Thus, this is because your baby may fall and injure themselves. In rare cases, many babies have faced some trauma to their head or body due to a hazardous fall.

2. Keep Objects Far Away From Your Child

Keep all the toys and objects away from your baby when he/she starts rolling over because that can result in choking. Apart from that, heavy items or toys that are kept at a height may fall over your baby, eventually causing damage to your baby’s delicate body.

3. Keep A Watch On Your Baby At All Times

Always be watchful and never leave your child unattended for a long time. There have been many instances where babies usually roll over to the staircase side of your house or may enter other potential hazardous corners in your house. Therefore, make sure to always keep a watch on your baby no matter what!

4. No Gap Between Crib And The Mattress

Ensure that there is no gap between the mattress and the crib because your baby’s head might get struck or he/she may get smothered. The mattress should be comfortable, making it easy for your baby to roll over or slide.

5. Let Your Baby Sleep Alone Or Next To You

Do not put your infant to sleep next to his/her sibling especially when the other child is just a few years older than your baby. Your elder one might place his/her hand or leg on the newborn while sleeping which may throttle your infant. Apart from that, it may also suffocate your baby especially if the elder one ends up covering your baby’s face.

How Does An Infant Learn How To Roll?

If you are the parent of a premature baby, then your baby might take some more time to achieve his/her first milestone i.e., rolling over. Do not worry because this is considered normal. You can always seek medical help if you have any doubts or see your baby facing a few difficulties. Have a look at how an infant can gradually learn to roll over:

At 1st Month

Babies can hardly raise their heads. Even if some babies try it won’t last for a fraction of a second. Since the neck region is quite delicate during this phase, extra care must be taken when carrying the baby. You can try giving your baby light body massages. Thus, this will ensure the healthy growth of your baby’s delicate body!

At 2nd And 3rd Months

Your baby can turn to the side position from his/her back. Will try to hold the head high when lying on your tummy. Some babies start rolling from tummy to back and can make smoother movements with their legs and arms. Your baby will bob forward while sitting. Will slightly raise the head and shoulders for 45-60 degrees while lying on the tummy.

In 3rd And 4th Months

Your baby might have good head control and can raise his/her chest up to 90 degrees. By this time some babies love to roll over from the back to the side. The head might still bob in the backward and forward movement. The muscles of the neck have been strengthened by this time. Besides, they may also learn how to use their hands and neck in synchronization.

At the 5th Month And 6th Month

Some babies love to roll over from tummy to back by this age. There is an immense improvement in the neck and will try to reach out for objects and toys. By this age, babies love to play in the push-up position. Some babies love to roll over from back to belly.

Your baby might try to raise the chest and part of the upper abdomen while lying on the tummy. Your baby can easily lift his/her head while in a sitting position. Your baby might even start crawling and the head-bobbing will stop.

How Can You Encourage Your Baby To Roll Over?

You can encourage and support your baby to easily roll over by keeping the below-mentioned points in your mind:

1. Invest ample time in giving tummy time to your munchkin from the initial days. Initially, your baby might cry a lot during tummy time however by the 2nd month you’ll see immense changes in your baby’s posture. You can also help your child try out a few gross motor skills activities for babies.
   
2. Encourage your baby to play on both sides along with the back position. You can keep shiny objects on either side of your baby eventually tempting the baby to try out new positions.
   
3. While changing the clothes and diapers of your baby you must ensure that you are laying your child on both sides. Thus, this will prepare your child and make them more familiar with this position, eventually getting them to try it!
   
4. Lay your baby on the mat that is placed on the floor. Allow your child to sit in a cradle, baby chair, or even a swing.
   
5. Placing your baby in a sideways position is as important as placing your baby on his/her tummy and back.
   
6. Massage, gently twist and exercise your baby’s legs and arms. Thus, this will help your child’s muscles to relax, eventually leading to healthy growth and development.
   
7. You can place your baby’s favorite toy a little away from him/her. This way, your child will be more motivated to move towards it. This activity could also be a part of your baby motor skills activities.
   
8. You can also purchase a few baby motor skills toys to make your child’s journey easy and memorable!

Conclusion

Indeed, parents may not be able to keep their joy when they see their baby progressing and growing. When your baby starts rolling over or even sliding and keeping their neck held up high, it may indicate that their muscles are well developed. Thus, you may then find your baby exploring things around your house, rolling over on their belly.

During this stage, it may be extremely important for you to make a list of things to cater to since your baby just started a new journey. You may also have to make many places at your house babyproof, in order to keep your baby safe from hazardous objects or corners of your home.