When Do Babies Start to Roll Over?
Key takeaways:
Most babies begin rolling from their tummy to their back between 4 and 6 months old. This is then followed by rolling from their back to their front.
Rolling over is typically one of the first major gross motor milestones. Sitting up, pulling to stand, crawling, and cruising usually follow next.
If your baby isn’t showing signs of crawling by 4 to 6 months, there’s no reason to panic. You should discuss concerns with your healthcare provider, who can offer additional support and guidance.
Your baby learning to roll over is an exciting step and one of the first gross motor milestones. This skill marks their change into becoming mobile. And it sets the stage for other significant milestones like crawling, cruising, and walking.
As with any developmental milestones, how and when these skills develop can vary. This sometimes leads to parents worrying about whether their child is behind in their development. Let’s take a closer look at when you can expect your baby to roll over and how you can support their motor development.
At what age do babies start to roll over?
Most babies start to roll over between 4 and 6 months. Some may begin to roll as early as 3 months. But babies don't usually learn to roll both ways at the same time. For most infants, rolling from their backs to their tummies is a bit easier and happens first. This is then followed by them rolling back to front.
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What are the first signs of rolling over?
For some babies, rolling over is very gradual. For others, they seem to roll over suddenly. Some signs they may be close to rolling include:
They become more active and comfortable in tummy time.
They’re able to prop themselves on their arms and get their chest off the ground.
When placed on their tummy, they may kick their legs more or push their feet off the ground to move around.
They’ll start rolling onto their side before flipping all the way over.
How can you encourage a baby to roll over?
The most helpful way to encourage your baby to roll over is by providing lots of time to practice and making it fun. The good news is no fancy equipment, toys, or baby gear is needed to help promote your baby’s motor development. Supervised floor time on a blanket or mat allows them to use their muscles to explore and work on their mobility.
You can try these activities to help promote rolling over:
Give them tummy time and lots of it.
Join them on the ground to make it more fun and a time to connect.
Put interesting objects or toys in front of them and at their side to motivate them to look, reach, and move around in different directions.
Gently rock them side to side when on their tummy to help them practice shifting weight.
Help them roll to their side first, and allow them to practice rolling the rest of the way with the help of gravity.
How do you keep a rolling baby safe?
Being aware of when rolling over typically happens and the signs that your baby is getting close is important in keeping them safe. Here are a few tips to help:
Never leave your baby unattended or on a raised surface like a bed, couch, or changing table — especially after 3 months of age.
When your baby shows signs of rolling over, you should no longer swaddle them for sleep. Having arms free allows them to move with full range of motion if they roll over into a dangerous position.
Rolling is the first step in mobility and means it’s time to start childproofing your home.
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Why isn't my baby rolling over?
First of all, don't panic. Every child develops differently and at their own pace. If your baby is between 4 and 6 months and not showing signs of rolling over, it could be for one of the following reasons:
Normal variation of development
Body size or proportions making it more challenging
Not enough floor time to practice
A sign of a developmental delay (rarely)
Developmental milestones are just a guide to help anticipate a baby’s development. And they help to identify if your baby needs extra support or further evaluation. Remember, if your child is born prematurely, you should consider their growth and development based on their corrected age.
What do I do if my baby doesn't roll over?
If your baby isn’t rolling over or showing any signs of rolling, let your healthcare provider know. They’re a great resource if you’re concerned about your baby’s development.
You can also request an early intervention evaluation. This is a free government service to support children with developmental delays.
The bottom line
Learning to roll over usually occurs when a baby is between 4 and 6 months old. It’s a sign that your child is developing mobility. Each baby develops in their own time. But, if your baby isn’t showing signs of rolling by 6 months, let your healthcare provider know. They can help give you guidance on what to expect and if your child needs more support in their development.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). What is “early intervention”?
Healthychildren.org. (2018). Corrected age for preemies. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Healthychildren.org. (2020). Is your baby’s physical development on track? American Academy of Pediatrics.
Healthychildren.org. (2021). Movement milestones: Babies 4 to 7 months. American Academy of Pediatrics.
