When Do Babies Roll Over? A Complete Guide

Rolling over is one of your baby's first big motor milestones—and one of the most exciting to witness! That first roll often takes both baby and parents by surprise. It marks the beginning of your child's journey toward independent mobility.

Understanding when to expect rolling, how to encourage it, and how to keep your rolling baby safe helps you navigate this exciting developmental leap. AAP

When Do Babies Start Rolling?

Typical timeline: CDC

• 3-4 months: Some babies roll tummy to back
• 4-6 months: Most babies roll tummy to back
• 5-7 months: Rolling back to tummy
• 6-7 months: Rolling both ways with ease

Why tummy to back usually comes first:
Rolling from tummy to back is easier—gravity helps! When baby pushes up during tummy time and shifts weight, they can accidentally roll over. Back to tummy requires more core strength and coordination.

Wide variation is normal:
Some babies roll at 3 months; others not until 6 or 7 months. Some skip rolling to work on other skills like sitting. As long as baby is making overall progress, don't worry about exact timing.

Signs Baby Is Getting Ready to Roll

Physical readiness: Mayo

• Strong head control
• Lifts chest during tummy time
• Pushes up on arms
• Swings weight side to side
• Arches back when on tummy
• Kicks legs while on back

What you might notice:

• Tips over during tummy time
• Rocks side to side on back
• Appears to be "trying" to turn
• Gets one shoulder off the ground
• Frustration when unable to move

How to Encourage Rolling

Tummy time: AAP
The foundation of rolling! Strong arms, shoulders, and neck from tummy time make rolling possible.

Side-lying play:

• Place baby on their side (supported by rolled towel)
• Place toys to encourage looking and reaching
• Let them experience the side-lying position

Enticing toys:

• Place favorite toys just out of reach
• Use toys with sound or lights to motivate
• Position yourself where baby needs to turn to see you

Help them practice:

• Gently guide baby through the motion
• Support hips and help them understand the movement
• Make it fun with songs and games
• Don't force—follow their lead

Floor time:

• Give plenty of time on a safe floor surface
• Avoid too much time in equipment (bouncers, swings)
• Let baby experiment with movement
• Supervise but don't interfere excessively

Safety Once Baby Rolls

Diaper changes: AAP

• Never leave baby unattended on elevated surface
• Keep one hand on baby always
• Consider changing on the floor
• Have supplies ready before starting

Sleep safety:

• Continue placing baby on back to sleep
• Once baby can roll both ways, let them find own position
• Stop swaddling when rolling starts (arms need to be free)
• Ensure crib is safe (firm mattress, nothing loose)

Play areas:

• Baby-proof floor areas
• Ensure nothing dangerous within rolling distance
• Watch for edges and drop-offs
• Provide soft, safe surfaces

Types of Rolling

Tummy to back:
Usually appears first. Baby pushes up, shifts weight, and tips over.

Back to tummy:
Comes later—requires more core strength and coordination. Baby uses legs, hips, and core to rotate.

Log rolling:
Baby rolls as a unit, body straight. Usually the first method.

Segmental rolling:
Upper body and lower body rotate separately. More advanced and efficient.

If Baby Isn't Rolling

Don't panic if: CDC

• Baby is progressing in other areas
• They're close but not quite there
• They prefer other positions
• They're working on sitting instead

Possible reasons for delay:

• Less tummy time practice
• More time in containers
• Larger babies may take longer
• Individual variation

When to mention to doctor:

• No rolling by 6-7 months
• Very one-sided movement
• Significant delays in other areas
• Seems very weak or floppy
• Lost ability to roll after doing it

Rolling and Sleep

What changes: NSF

• Must stop swaddling (baby needs arms free)
• Baby may roll in sleep and wake up
• May need adjustment period
• Follow safe sleep guidelines

If baby rolls in sleep:

• If they can roll both ways, let them sleep as they choose
• If only rolling one way, gently reposition initially
• Ensure sleep space is completely safe
• Keep monitoring

What Other Parents Ask

Q: My 4-month-old rolled once and never did it again. Is that okay?
A: Yes! First rolls are often accidents. They might surprise themselves and not repeat it for weeks. The skill is developing even if not demonstrated consistently. Mayo

Q: My baby skipped rolling and went straight to sitting. Should I be concerned?
A: Some babies do this! What matters is overall motor development, not specific order. As long as baby is progressing, skipping a milestone isn't usually concerning. AAP

Q: My baby only rolls to one side. Is that normal?
A: Some initial preference is normal. Encourage rolling to both sides with toys and positioning. Consistent one-sided movement lasting weeks should be mentioned to your pediatrician.

Q: Should I let my baby roll onto their tummy to sleep?
A: Continue placing baby on their back. Once baby can roll both directions independently, they can choose their sleep position. Ensure the sleep environment is safe. AAP

The Bottom Line

Rolling typically develops between 3-7 months, with tummy to back usually first. It's an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of mobility. Encourage rolling through tummy time and floor play, and adjust safety practices once baby is on the move.

Key points:

• Tummy to back: 3-5 months typically
• Back to tummy: 5-7 months typically
• Wide variation is normal
• Tummy time is the best preparation
• Safety adjustments needed once rolling starts
• Stop swaddling when rolling begins

Clara is here to help you navigate your baby's rolling milestone!