When you become a new mother or father, there is nothing more exciting than watching your little one grow up day by day, right? But at the same time, even the smallest things can make you feel scared. Have you ever thought, "Oh, the baby next door is rolling over now, and mine isn't yet?" Don't worry. Not all babies develop in the same way or at the same speed. Although they have certain developmental milestones, it is normal for a little one to be a little early or a little late. Rolling over is one of the first big milestones in a baby's life. So let's talk about it all today.
When does a baby start rolling over?
Babies usually start rolling over around 4 months of age . They first do something like rocking from side to side. Then they start rolling over. Most of the time, babies first roll over from their stomachs to their backs.
"Tummy Time" is very important here. Simply put, Tummy Time is when you turn your baby over to your tummy while he's awake. This can start as early as the first few days after birth.
Tummy Time is a great exercise to strengthen your baby's neck, head, shoulders, and back muscles . This is what gives them the strength they need to roll over and later sit up.
Tummy Time helps develop your baby's sensory-perceptual, balance, visual, and even problem-solving skills. That's why it's essential to give your baby some time each day for Tummy Time.
How to help a baby roll over?
By about 6 months, most babies can roll over. But like I said before, not all babies are the same. There are a few things you can do to encourage your baby to roll over.
| What can be done? | The advantage of that |
|---|---|
| Keep it on your chest. | If your baby doesn't like tummy time, place him on your chest or on your lap, under your belly. This will help your baby feel more comfortable because he can see you. Some babies don't like tummy time because they can't see you. |
| Play on the floor. | Sit on the floor with your baby and talk, sing songs, and play with toys. When you smile, your baby feels safe. It helps your baby's brain develop and strengthens the bond between you and your baby. |
| Use a toy. | Place a toy in your baby's sight and encourage him to turn his head in that direction. Then, move the toy in the direction you want him to roll over. When your baby tries to reach for it, he will try to roll over. |
| Music and rhythm | Playing music for a short period of time during Tummy Time can help your baby develop their ability to move to the rhythm. It can also help them roll over. |
Remember...
Doctors recommend giving your baby 15-30 minutes of tummy time a day by the time they are 2 months old. So, set aside small periods throughout the day to give your baby the opportunity to get used to rolling over.
Should you be worried if your baby rolls over in his sleep?
While it's a joy to see a baby rolling over during the day, rolling over in his sleep at night can be a bit scary for mothers.
"Should I turn the baby back to face up?"
This is a problem that many mothers have. When you look at your baby at night, you may see that he has rolled over onto his stomach or side. When this happens, you don't need to turn him back over . It's always a good idea to put him to sleep facing up, but if he rolls over on his own, it's not a problem. The reason is that a baby has enough strength to roll over on his own, and if his airway is blocked, he has the strength to move his head back and forth to get out of it.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)The best way to prevent this is to put your baby to sleep on their back. Sleeping on their stomach increases the risk of SIDS.
"What do you do if the baby rolls over and seems to be stuck?"
If your baby sometimes rolls over and seems to be having trouble turning over, you can try turning your baby back over. You can also place a small pillow or rolled towel under his chest during Tummy Time to help him raise his head. Never leave your baby alone during Tummy Time. There is a risk of SIDS if he falls asleep during this time.
Be careful about safety when your baby starts rolling over!
As your little one begins to explore the rolling world, we need to think twice about their safety.
| Safety measures | Description |
|---|---|
| Stop swaddling. | As soon as your baby starts to roll over, you should stop swaddling him. If he rolls over, he should be able to use his hands freely to lift his head. |
| Keep the crib clean. | Do not place anything in the baby's crib, such as blankets, pillows, or toys . These can cause suffocation and increase the risk of SIDS. Using devices that keep the baby in a specific position (sleep positioners) is also dangerous. |
| Keep an eye on growth. | Keep an eye on your baby's development. If you notice any signs of loss of ability, talk to your doctor . |
Be especially careful about these things:
Your baby,
- If you don't raise your head
- If you have difficulty controlling your head while sitting
- If you don't reach for the toys
- If you don't pay attention to your hands or are constantly clenching your fists
These could be signs of a developmental disorder. So if you see something like this, don't panic and immediately consult your pediatrician for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Every baby is different. Don't worry about comparing your baby to other babies.
- "Tummy Time" is essential for baby's muscles to become strong and for them to learn to roll over.
- Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back. But if he or she rolls over on his or her own, don't try to turn him or her over.
- Once your baby starts rolling over, stop swaddling them. Don't put anything in the crib, such as pillows, blankets, or toys.
- If you notice any delays in your baby's development or loss of previous abilities, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
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