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Most infants can roll from tummy to back by 6 months old — but remember, every child develops at their own pace
To an adult, rolling seems like a relatively simple action — one you probably don’t think much about. But for a baby, learning to roll is a major achievement. This gross motor skill requires the careful coordination of multiple muscle groups that all have to grow strong enough to finally make it happen.
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“Most babies are able to roll from their tummy to their back when they’re about 6 months old,” says pediatrician Jacqueline Kaari, DO. “It’s an important milestone for them.”
When they’re born, babies don’t have enough core strength to roll on their own. They need time to strengthen those muscles as they develop and grow — and one of the key ways that happens is through regular baby workout sessions, aka tummy time.
“When babies spend time on their bellies, they learn to push up with their arms and gain the core strength that helps them eventually roll over from their tummy to their back,” Dr. Kaari explains.
Like any big milestone, rolling is typically broken down into smaller achievements along the way. Most babies roll from tummy to back first because it’s a little easier for them to figure out. Soon after, they learn to roll from back to tummy.
Here’s how your child’s progression is likely to look.
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Once they put it all together, watch out: They may very well be on the move!
“Soon, they’ll start to be able to roll whenever they want to,” Dr. Kaari says. “They may even use it as a way to get around — just rolling to get to things they want to reach.”
Eager to know whether rolling is imminent? These signs can help clue you in to your baby’s progress.
The best and most important way to encourage your baby to roll is by making sure they get plenty of time on their belly. Research shows that tummy time is positively associated with the ability to roll and crawl.
“Tummy time is the most important thing,” Dr. Kaari emphasizes. “Spending time with them on the floor helps them develop and encourages them to continue achieving the milestones that will then help them to roll over.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting tummy time as soon as your baby is home from the hospital. And yes, they may hate it, which can be an unpleasant experience for them (and, thus, for you). But discontent can be a powerful motivator.
“Many babies don’t like tummy time,” Dr. Kaari acknowledges. “They’ll cry and start to get a little mad. But eventually, that gives them the incentive to learn to roll over.”
Even if your baby can’t yet roll, act like they can — at least when it comes to safety measures. That means that tummy time should take place on a safe, flat surface, and never on a high-up place like a table or bed. Always stay with your baby and monitor them closely.
“It’s important not to leave them atop any surface, even when they’re very young, because they can wiggle off,” Dr. Kaari cautions. “You never know when they’re going to start to roll.”
As your baby grows and changes, it’s also normal to worry about whether they’re hitting developmental milestones on time — and that could include worrying that your baby isn’t yet rolling over by 6 months.
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“If your baby doesn’t seem to be gaining the strength to roll — like if they’re not pushing themselves up or can’t hold their head up very well — that could indicate a bit of a physical delay, or they may just need a little extra support in those areas,” Dr. Kaari notes.
Talk to your pediatrician, she advises, and ask whether physical therapy could help get them on track to rolling and hitting other physical milestones. And remember: Six months is a general timeframe, but all babies are different.
“They all develop on their own timetable, some earlier and some later,” Dr. Kaari encourages. “But if you have any concerns, it’s always good to ask.”
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