Your baby reaches several milestones in his or her development. One of them, of course, is rolling over! Once your baby is three to four months old, it can happen just like that. But there is no cause for concern if it doesn’t happen until your baby is six months old. By then, your baby’s muscles are often already a bit stronger. Would you like to help your baby roll over safely? We will gladly provide some tips.
How does an infant roll over?
An infant will only start rolling over when its muscles are strong enough. You can tell it by the way your baby can hold his or her head up high and lift his or her legs in the air. Often babies first roll over from their stomach to their back. Usually this happens because the head is still heavy at that stage: your baby will roll over automatically when it lifts its head due to its weight. Does your baby roll from back to stomach first? This may require a bit more effort on the part of your baby, but it’s nothing to worry about.
How does your infant learn to roll over?
Of course, you can lend your baby a hand. There are several ways you can teach your baby to roll over.
- Demonstrate rolling over.
Lie down next to your baby and roll over yourself. When your baby observes your actions, he or she will want to imitate it! - Allow your baby to roll over towards a toy.
Place some toys next to your baby. Your baby will turn and eventually roll over towards the toy. - Pull gently on your baby’s arm.
Put your baby down on its left side, with its left arm extended upward. This will prevent your baby from being obstructed by the arm. Then pull gently on the right arm. This will cause your baby to roll over. After a few practice sessions, your baby will remember this movement. And from that moment on, it will happen automatically!
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Tummy time!
Exercises will help your baby develop (even more) muscle strength. Chances are that your baby will learn to roll over faster and more easily. “Tummy time” is a well-known and helpful exercise. Try out this exercise once your baby is about three or four months old.
Tummy time works like this: Place your baby on his or her tummy on a firm (but not hard) surface. Your baby then tries to push itself up to keep its head up high. That is how your baby trains its neck and arm muscles as well as its upper body.
How long should your baby do tummy time? Allow your baby to get used to it at first for five minutes per day. Thereafter, you can slowly extend the exercise time. Is your baby not enjoying the exercise? Then reduce the amount of time. You can also use a happy, cheerful belly trainer. This will make the exercise even more interesting!
How to keep your baby safe while rolling over?
When the “rolling phase” starts, put your baby in the playpen or on a soft blanket. If necessary, use a changing pad if you are going to change baby on a table or dresser. This cushion has a depression into which you can place your baby, which will make rolling over more difficult. Keep an eye on your baby, though.
My baby is not able to roll over. What now?
Every baby develops at his or her own pace. So, it’s not a problem if your baby starts rolling over at six months. If necessary, use our useful app to keep track of your baby’s development! Have six or seven months passed and are you starting to get a little concerned? Then consult the childcare clinic.
