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Is Rolling Over A Milestone and When Do Babies Roll Over?
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A lot of parents are googling, “is rolling a milestone for babies?” And I am here to help you answer that question. 👋 Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren Baker, a pediatric physical therapist and I believe the more educated eyeballs we have on our babies, the better off our babies are. I do that through blogs like this on the website and youtube videos, so make sure to check out the full youtube video down below for the most comprehensive information.
The Importance of Rolling
First things first, let's address the burning question: Is rolling a milestone?
Absolutely!
Rolling from belly to back and vice versa is not just a nice-to-have skill; it's a crucial developmental milestone that signals healthy progression in your baby's physical abilities.
Here's why it's so important:
Indicates Symmetrical Development: Rolling helps us observe if the baby is developing strength and flexibility equally on both sides of the body.
Prepares for Future Milestones: Mastering rolling is essential for the next stages, such as sitting up independently and crawling. Sometimes, the impact of not rolling in all directions isn't visible until more complex skills are expected.
It might seem fine if a baby skipped rolling because it doesn’t always impact sitting on their own (but it can because rolling develops core strength, which is needed for sitting). Most of the time, babies who struggled with rolling or skipped rolling end up struggling much more with crawling than sitting.
Crawling is one of the most difficult movement milestones and it requires a lot of rotation, just like rolling. If you haven’t mastered rolling, which develops those motions, then your baby may have an underlying block that may make it more difficult to master crawling.
Encourages Exploration: It's a baby's first step towards moving independently, sparking curiosity and exploration of their surroundings.
Rolling: How Many Ways Can A Baby Do It?
Rolling involves four distinct directions:
Belly to back over the right arm
Belly to back over the left arm
Back to belly over the right arm
Back to belly over the left arm
Each direction requires different muscle movements, and if a baby struggles with any, it's crucial to understand why. This could indicate areas where your baby might need extra support or practice.
Like for example:
If a baby can roll belly to back over the right arm and Back to belly over the left arm but not in the opposite directions, they may be able to rotate their trunk to the left, but not to the right.
If a baby can roll belly to back over the left arm and Back to belly over the right arm but not in the opposite directions, they may be able to rotate their trunk to the right, but not to the left.
Baby trunk tightness is often the underlying block a baby struggles with when they struggle with rolling. You can find out more about how this fits together in my book Tummy Time and Learning to Roll, along with mobility exercises to make sure your baby can rotate in both directions equally.
Guidance from My Book: Tummy Time and Learning to Roll
To dive deeper into this subject, I've detailed everything about rolling, its significance, and practical exercises in my book, Tummy Time and Learning to Roll. It's designed to be an accessible resource for parents and pediatric healthcare providers alike. It is by far the most comprehensive resource on the topic, because it’s my entire brain on rolling, on paper + with 240+ pictures and a free online video course to put it all together.
If you notice any difficulties with rolling in your baby, the book offers checklists and step-by-step guides to support their development. Plus, you get access to that free video course and printable PDF downloads for hands-on learning and tracking progress.
CDC Milestone Updates
In 2020, the CDC updated its milestones, which stirred some confusion around rolling. I cover these changes extensively in my book, highlighting the importance of keeping a keen eye on rolling as a developmental milestone, despite these updates.
For parents information, despite what the CDC may or may not say, if you ask any PT/OT/SLP, babies should roll in all four directions by the age of six months, if they are not, there is likely an underlying reason that can be influenced by parents or healthcare providers, to assist babies in achieving their rolling milestones.
How Can You Support Your Baby's Rolling Skills?
Encourage Tummy Time: Regular tummy time from the time they are a day old strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, laying the foundation for rolling over, but hint: it’s not the ONLY play position babies need to roll (there are three others and all are listed in the book along with example photos on how parents have helped their babies play in them in their homes).
Use Toys for Motivation: Place toys slightly out of reach during tummy time to encourage your baby to stretch, reach, and eventually roll towards them. Make sure to place toys first in front, but then to the side. Toys at eye level will also help babies lift their arms to shoulder level, further prompting weight shifting and building muscles and experiences that help with rolling.
Be Patient and Supportive: Every baby develops within a range (4-6 months). Provide encouragement and gentle assistance, but allow them to achieve milestones, if they are older than 6 months, it is recommended to reach out to a Pediatric Physical Therapist for assistance.
Monitor All Directions: Keep an eye on your baby's progress in all four directions of rolling. If you notice any delays or asymmetries, consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Curious About Learning More on Tummy Time, Rolling, or Both?
The absolute best book for parents on tummy time and rolling is: Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Learn to Roll Independently. The book comes with a free online video course to help parents fully understand how to complete the different exercises, printable checklists to know exactly where your baby is at, and when to reach out for additional help.
This book was written by Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, DPT, ATC, MTC, who is a Pediatric Physical Therapist in Boise, Idaho, trained in helping parents learn how to help their babies move and master their milestones. She loves teaching parents how to see how their babies are moving as well as how to influence those movements though play positions and exercises to help babies move with confidence and ease.
Tummy Time and Learning to Roll is the first book in the Proactive Play series written by Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Lauren Baker in order to help Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers learn how to help babies master tummy time and learn to roll. It is meant to help ambitious parents understand baby development from birth to six months (tummy time to rolling).
This book is a mix of easy-to-follow and more in-depth information than is typically found in baby development books because Dr. Baker believes parents deserve to have all the information at their fingertips.
This book breaks down each piece of movement in checklists so that parents know what their babies need for tummy time and rolling. It also covers what areas might limit a child with rolling, why it is so important, and when to seek help from a pediatric PT.
This book comes with colored photos and easy-to-follow demonstration videos that can help parents implement safe, strategic play-based exercises with their babies in 20 minutes per day.
A Great Resource For:
Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers of babies 0-6 months
Parents of babies who are struggling with tummy time, rolling back to belly, belly to back, or only to one side
Access to simple, easy-to-follow videos of play positions and exercises
Learning the four pillars of movement needed in order to master rolling
240+ Color Photo Examples of:
Tummy Time, Sidelying, and Back Play
Developmental Toys and Equipment
Hand Placement and Strategic Play Positions
Common Areas of Restriction or Weakness
When To Reach Out For Help
What If You Want Extra Help?
If you have concerns about their movement, remember, you can always reach out to a pediatric physical therapist. It's your right as a parent to advocate for your child's development.
Sometimes, a few tips and tricks are all you need to get your baby moving better. We're here to support you and release those mama worries. If you are looking for in home pediatric physical therapy, check our listing of therapists.
For those eager to learn more or seeking personalized guidance, I offer online video parent consultations internationally which can be scheduled by clicking here. I am dedicated to answering questions and providing tailored play activities for each unique developmental journey.
When Should Babies Receive Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Parents can call and schedule with a Pediatric Physical Therapist at any time, for any concern in all fifty states without a referral from their Pediatrician.
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated in all babies who are not rolling in all four directions by six months (back to belly over their right arm AND left arm + belly to back over their right arm AND left arm).
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated if you notice a flat spot on the back of an infants head (possible plagiocephaly), a tilt of their head consistently to one side (ear to shoulder - possible torticollis), or a rotation preference of their neck (consistently look only to the right or left - possible torticollis).
Many Pediatric Physical Therapists including Dr. Baker, can successfully treat flat spots (Plagiocephaly) without a helmet with a combination of therapy and positioning strategies if seen prior to 4 months (0-3 months is ideal). Dr. Baker uses the Baby Begin Method of repositioning.
Flat spots can be due to in-utero positioning, rotational preference (right sided flatness most common) and babies are at an increased risk for flatness if they are male, were breech, multiple birth, premature, have difficulty with tummy time, or are in containers > 2 hr/day.
Final Thoughts: Let's Stay Connected
I'm passionate about empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to support their children's development. If you've used the book and found it helpful, I'd love it if you could write a review, they help self-published authors like myself SO MUCH and I love reading them all! PS not sure where reviews are located? Go to your amazon account —> orders —> write a product review button (white button on the bottom!).
Drop your questions in the comments of the video linked above or share your experiences via DM on instagram @drlaurenbaker. Your feedback not only enriches our community but also supports the mission of making developmental information widely accessible.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Together, we can ensure our little ones have the strong, healthy start they deserve. Until next time, keep connecting with your babies through proactive play.
Baby Struggling With Rolling Belly to Back? Try This Exercise.
Are you a proactive parent determined to help your baby achieve their developmental milestones?
Dr. Lauren Baker, a pediatric physical therapist, is here to guide you on a journey towards enhancing your baby's mobility and strength. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of tummy time, discuss exercises to help your baby bear weight through their elbows (including how to help them shift their weight onto one elbow!), and discover the secrets to independent rolling. Plus, stay tuned for an exclusive offer to boost your parenting skills with Dr. Baker's book, "Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers.”
The Significance of Tummy Time:
Tummy time is more than just an adorable photo opportunity; it's a crucial building block in your baby's development. Dr. Baker emphasizes that tummy time strengthens the muscles needed for rolling, crawling, and later, walking. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends that babies engage in 60 minutes of tummy time per day by three months of age. Starting tummy time from day one, lays the foundation for their journey into being able to have the foundational skills they need to roll on their own.
Weight Bearing Through Elbows:
Some parents may notice that their baby prefers pushing through one elbow during tummy time while neglecting the other. This can be due to a variety of factors, including musculoskeletal issues like torticollis, which result in muscle imbalances. The solution? Target the weaker shoulder, focus on it strategically, and bridge the gap between strength and coordination — jump to the exercise.
What if my baby only rolls belly to back in one direction?
Rolling is a multifaceted developmental milestone and it is important that a baby is able to roll belly to back in both directions (over their left arm and over their right arm).
Why is this so important? It's all about symmetry and balance. When babies consistently roll in one direction while neglecting the other, it may indicate a restriction or limitation in the less-favored direction. This condition is referred to as an "asymmetry" in pediatric physical therapy.
Babies don't naturally have a preferred rolling direction; they usually explore both sides equally. If your baby appears to favor one side, it's crucial to address this early. Neglecting one side can lead to potential problems in the future. It’s also important to figure out the underlying reason why a baby is only rolling in one direction, because often there are things parents can do to address it at home easily with access to the right information.
Rolling Exercise to Increase Arm Strength in Babies
To support your baby's transition from belly to back, you must work on weight-bearing through one elbow. This precursor activity paves the way for independent rolling. In the video below, Dr. Baker provides a hands-on demonstration of how to help your baby bear weight through both their left and right elbows while offering valuable insights into their motor development.
How to help your baby reach with one arm to build arm strength needed for rolling belly to back:
Start with the baby on their belly
Place your hand in an open cupped shape blocking their left elbow
Create a c shape with your other hand underneath their right armpit
Rotate their upper trunk to the right while also helping them reach with your pointer finger so they reach for a toy on the ground in front of them
They may need less support at the trunk to rotate and shift their weight over their left elbow and more support at their elbow to reach in front of them with a straight arm or vice versa
Complete for 30 seconds to 1 minute on left elbow and switch
Upper Trunk Rotation:
As babies attempt to roll, they encounter the need for upper trunk rotation. If your little one struggles with this movement, they may avoid lifting one hand to play with toys on their own. Lifting an arm to reach while stabilizing their other arm on the ground, is a precursor activity to rolling from belly to back.
If a baby struggles with upper trunk rotation, make sure to purchase the Tummy Time and Learning to Roll book which walks you through how to screen this motion and exercises directly related to helping improve it on both sides. It also comes with a free video course (details in the book) to help you be able to confidently complete all the motions on your own.
In addition to upper trunk rotation, babies need the ability to shift their weight from both elbows to one elbow. Shifting their weight is complex, because it requires them to hold all their body weight on one limb instead of two – kind of like how standing on one leg is much harder than standing with both feet on the ground.
It’s the same for babies on their belly, but in order to roll from belly to back, they need to first be able to shift their weight to one elbow and reach with their opposite hand for a toy or object without collapsing. If they are able to do this equally on both sides, they are one step closer to rolling belly to back on their own, symmetrically.
Curious about learning more on Tummy Time, Rolling, or Both?
For proactive parents and healthcare providers, Dr. Lauren Baker's book, Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Learn to Roll Independently is an invaluable resource. Dive deeper into the world of baby development, understand the intricacies of tummy time and rolling, and empower yourself to support your baby's journey.
This book is packed with easy-to-follow information, checklists, colorful photos, and demonstration videos to make learning how to roll easily accessible for both you and the baby. Don't miss the chance to enhance your parenting skills and boost your baby's development.
The book comes with a free online video course to help parents fully understand how to complete the different exercises, printable checklists to know exactly where your baby is at, and when to reach out for additional help.
This book was written by Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, DPT, ATC, MTC, who is a Pediatric Physical Therapist in Boise, Idaho, trained in helping parents learn how to help their babies move and master their milestones. She loves teaching parents how to see how their babies are moving as well as how to influence those movements though play positions and exercises to help babies move with confidence and ease.
More information on the book:
Tummy Time and Learning to Roll is the first book in the Proactive Play series written by Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Lauren Baker in order to help Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers learn how to help babies master tummy time and learn to roll.
It is meant to help ambitious parents understand baby development from birth to six months (tummy time to rolling). This book is a mix of easy-to-follow and more in-depth information than is typically found in baby development books because Dr. Baker believes parents deserve to have all the information at their fingertips.
This book breaks down each piece of movement in checklists so that parents know what their babies need for tummy time and rolling. It also covers what areas might limit a child with rolling, why it is so important, and when to seek help from a pediatric PT.
This book comes with colored photos and easy-to-follow demonstration videos that can help parents implement safe, strategic play-based exercises with their babies in 20 minutes per day.
A Great Resource For:
Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers of babies 0-6 months
Parents of babies who are struggling with tummy time, rolling back to belly, belly to back, or only to one side
Access to simple, easy-to-follow videos of play positions and exercises
Learning the four pillars of movement needed in order to master rolling
240+ Color Photo Examples of:
Tummy Time, Sidelying, and Back Play
Developmental Toys and Equipment
Hand Placement and Strategic Play Positions
Common Areas of Restriction or Weakness
When To Reach Out For Help
What If You Need Extra Help?
If your baby is struggling with rolling or you have concerns about their movement, remember, you can always reach out to a pediatric physical therapist. It's your right as a parent to advocate for your child's development. Sometimes, a few tips and tricks are all you need to get your baby moving better. We're here to support you and release those mama worries.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an online parent consultation with me, you can schedule anytime by clicking to the appointment tab or by clicking here. Or, consider reaching out to a local pediatric physical therapist who can provide insights and guidance.
Let’s embrace the adventure of babies learning to roll and help your little one conquer this exciting milestone! 👶🌟
In this blog post, we've uncovered the importance of tummy time, explored exercises to help your baby bear weight through their elbows including learning how to reach one hand out to play with a toy with support to boost rolling skills. Dr. Lauren Baker is your go-to resource for understanding and facilitating your baby's journey to mobility. With her book in hand, you'll have all the knowledge and guidance you need to become the proactive parent you want to be for your baby. Don't wait; take the first step toward empowering your baby's growth and development today.
To purchase or learn more about the book click here
Baby Tornado: The Fun Exercise to Get Your Baby Rolling!
Welcome to the world of baby rolling, where you’ll be introduced to a fun, effective exercise called the "Baby Tornado." I'm Dr. Lauren Baker, a pediatric physical therapist and author committed to helping proactive parents like you help your baby move better. If you're diving into Google and YouTube searching for answers on how to help your baby roll, fear not! You're more capable than you realize – and all you need is a dash of knowledge and a whole lot of courage to get started.
Why Rolling Is a Big Deal
Rolling might not get the attention it deserves, but it's a critical milestone for your little one. Babies typically master rolling belly to back from three to five months of age and from back to belly from four to six months of age.
Rolling is a complex movement pattern because it is one of the first times babies learn to move their upper and lower trunks separately. Imagine sitting and reaching behind you to grab something off a shelf or table but without moving your pelvis – that is moving your upper half of your body on the stabilized (non-moving) lower half of your body. These motions – moving one part of the body but not the other – are important for complex movement.
When babies roll, it teaches them how to move one part of the body without the other, while lying on the ground. This is the first step for them to learn so they can then master it in sitting once they get to crawling age (it’s how the get in and out of sitting, too!).
Babies should roll from their back to their belly in both directions—right and left. If a baby consistently favors one side, it might be due to a restriction in the opposite direction. Asymmetry can lead to issues down the road, so helping your baby roll in both directions is essential.
The Benefits of Rolling for Babies:
Core Strength: Rolling involves complexity in how the muscles work together, particularly in the core (muscles that cover the front, sides, and back of a baby’s trunk). It's one of the first instances where your baby learns to engage and strengthen these crucial muscles in a moving position and not just stationary. This forms the foundation for later milestones like crawling and sitting up.
Spatial Awareness: Rolling teaches your baby about where their body is in space. As they figure out how to transition from their back to their belly and vice versa, they're also learning to navigate their surroundings and learning how they play a role (or roll) in them.
Independence: When babies can roll by themselves, they gain a sense of autonomy and control over their movements. It's an essential part of their journey towards becoming mobile.
Problem Solving: Rolling isn't as straightforward as it seems. Your baby needs to figure out the coordination required to make it happen. This early problem-solving experience lays the groundwork for more complex motor skills later on.
Development of Muscle Balance: Rolling helps your baby balance the use of different muscle groups on each side of their body. This balance is crucial for overall motor development and balance for when they transition to sitting, standing, and walking.
The Baby Tornado Recipe
Before we dive into the tornado technique, ensure your baby has full head control, typically around four to five months. If they're younger or they do not have full head control, you will have to support their head with your hand.
In the video, you'll see me demonstrating the Baby Tornado with two little ones—one around five months and the other closer to eight or nine months. Each baby has its unique challenges, so don't worry if it takes some practice!
For 4-5 month old babies:
Lay your baby on their back facing you with open space going to your right
Place your right hand on the front of what will be the bottom hip (the baby’s left hip) and your left hand (forming a C shape) underneath their right buttocks,.
Flex their right hip from the booty and rotate them over.
You may have to use your left hand onto the back of their left upper back to help go from side to belly if they are not pushing through their left arm to help
Tuck their elbows once they're in tummy time or prone and provide support if needed to keep elbows in place.
For 5-6 month old babies:
Lay your baby on their back facing you with open space going to your right
Place your right hand on the front of what will be the bottom hip (the baby’s left hip) and your left hand (forming a C shape) underneath their right buttocks,.
Flex their right hip from the booty and rotate them over.
Encourage them to push up on their elbow and pivot into prone position.
You may have to shift their pelvis down and toward the right to untuck their left arm
Tuck their elbows once they're in tummy time or prone.
Provide shoulder support in tummy time if needed
Baby Tornado Exercise with an 8-9 Month-Old Baby:
Place your baby on a playmat about four to five feet away from their toy.
Start with the baby on their back and guide them through rolling.
Gently block their shoulder and tuck it under to help them roll from their belly to their back
The baby should be able to control their head and push through their elbow to get from back to belly and belly to back, so you may only need to support at the hips.
Encourage three to five rolls in each direction.
The baby tornado and everything that I have learned in over 10 years as a Physical Therapist are located in the Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Learn to Roll Independently. To purchase or learn more about the book click here: https://amzn.to/3Q8dg5U
Curious about learning more on Tummy Time, Rolling, or Both?
The absolute best book for parents on tummy time and rolling is: Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Learn to Roll Independently. The book comes with a free online video course to help parents fully understand how to complete the different exercises, printable checklists to know exactly where your baby is at, and when to reach out for additional help.
This book was written by Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, DPT, ATC, MTC, who is a Pediatric Physical Therapist in Boise, Idaho, trained in helping parents learn how to help their babies move and master their milestones. She loves teaching parents how to see how their babies are moving as well as how to influence those movements though play positions and exercises to help babies move with confidence and ease.
Tummy Time and Learning to Roll is the first book in the Proactive Play series written by Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Lauren Baker in order to help Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers learn how to help babies master tummy time and learn to roll. It is meant to help ambitious parents understand baby development from birth to six months (tummy time to rolling).
This book is a mix of easy-to-follow and more in-depth information than is typically found in baby development books because Dr. Baker believes parents deserve to have all the information at their fingertips.
This book breaks down each piece of movement in checklists so that parents know what their babies need for tummy time and rolling. It also covers what areas might limit a child with rolling, why it is so important, and when to seek help from a pediatric PT.
This book comes with colored photos and easy-to-follow demonstration videos that can help parents implement safe, strategic play-based exercises with their babies in 20 minutes per day.
A Great Resource For:
Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers of babies 0-6 months
Parents of babies who are struggling with tummy time, rolling back to belly, belly to back, or only to one side
Access to simple, easy-to-follow videos of play positions and exercises
Learning the four pillars of movement needed in order to master rolling
240+ Color Photo Examples of:
Tummy Time, Sidelying, and Back Play
Developmental Toys and Equipment
Hand Placement and Strategic Play Positions
Common Areas of Restriction or Weakness
When To Reach Out For Help
What If You Need Extra Help?
If your baby is struggling with rolling or you have concerns about their movement, remember, you can always reach out to a pediatric physical therapist. It's your right as a parent to advocate for your child's development. Sometimes, a few tips and tricks are all you need to get your baby moving better. We're here to support you and release those mama worries.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an online parent consultation with me, you can schedule anytime by clicking to the appointment tab or by clicking here. Or, consider reaching out to a local pediatric physical therapist who can provide insights and guidance.
Let’s embrace the adventure of babies learning to roll and help your little one conquer this exciting milestone! 👶🌟