Watching your baby grow and become more mobile is a thrilling experience, though it can also be a bit daunting! Before you know it, you’ll have a crawling baby, and soon after, a walking one! It's time to start baby-proofing your house. But first, one key milestone many parents look forward to is when do babies roll.
We spoke with child expert Dr Amanda Gummer, a neuropsychologist and founder of The Good Play Guide, to learn about when babies start rolling over, what to expect, how to encourage this milestone, and what to do if your baby isn’t rolling by a certain age. Plus, we’ve included some favourite toys to help motivate your little one!
What age do babies roll over?
According to Dr Amanda Gummer, neuropsychologist and founder and CEO of The Good Play Guide, “most babies start to roll over between 4 to 6 months of age."
With babies generally start practicing the muscle movements needed to roll over by rocking on their stomachs around five months old. According to the NHS, most babies start to roll at around 6 months old. Some very energetic babies even start to roll as early as three to four months, so watch out!
Initially, they tend to roll from their tummy to their back. Once they master this, they usually learn to roll from their back to their tummy. By eight months, many babies are rolling over with ease.
Signs to watch for when your baby is ready to roll over
As your baby develops, there are several signs indicating they are preparing to roll over. These early indicators can be exciting milestones that show your baby's growing strength and coordination.
Dr Amanda says, "Key developmental milestones indicating readiness include gaining neck and head control, pushing up on their arms during tummy time, and showing increased strength and coordination in their limbs.
Babies often first roll from their stomach to their back, as it requires less muscle strength. Encouraging tummy time and providing a safe, supervised environment can help support your baby’s development and prepare them for this exciting milestone."
When your baby starts to enjoy tummy time
Around three to four months, your baby might start enjoying tummy time more. They will lift their head higher and for longer periods, using their arms to push up. This exercise is crucial for building the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles needed for rolling over.
In addition to preparing them to roll over, regular tummy time also helps prevent flat spots on the back of the baby's head and promotes motor skills development.
When your baby starts to pivot in circles
By four to five months, many babies begin to rock from side to side while lying on their stomachs. You might also notice them pivoting in a circle, using their arms and legs to push off the floor. This movement helps them practice the coordination needed for rolling.
When your baby starts to kick vigorously
Frequent and vigorous leg kicking is another sign. Babies often kick their legs when lying on their back or during tummy time, building the leg strength necessary for rolling over.
When your baby starts to reach for toys
Your baby may start reaching out for toys and other objects around them. This reaching and grasping action not only develops hand-eye coordination but also helps them learn how to shift their weight, an important component of rolling over.
When your baby starts to arch their back
When on their back, babies might arch their back and lift their hips, often rolling onto their side. This movement indicates they are exploring the motion needed to complete a roll.
Creating a safe space for practice
To support your baby during this learning phase, create a safe and comfortable environment. A blanket on the floor or a padded play mat provides a soft surface for your baby to practice rolling over. Ensure the area is free of obstacles and always supervise your baby during tummy time and rolling over attempts to prevent any accidents.
By recognising these signs and providing a supportive environment, you can help your baby achieve the rolling over milestone confidently and safely.
How to encourage your baby to roll over
Helping your baby develop the strength and coordination to roll over can be fun and engaging. Here are a few tips to encourage rolling over.
Tummy time
Ensure your baby gets plenty of tummy time, as it strengthens the muscles needed for rolling over.
Demonstrate rolling
Gently help your baby roll from side to side and then onto their back to show them how it's done.
Interactive play
Lie down on your tummy in front of your baby and use hand or finger puppets to create a story. Move the puppets around to encourage your baby to lift their head and follow the movements, which helps develop the muscles required for rolling.
Encouraging position
Position yourself on one side of your baby to encourage them to roll towards you. Move to the other side and repeat, rewarding them with their favorite toy when they manage to roll over.
Baby not rolling over at 6 months
It's important to remember that babies develop at their own pace, and it is perfectly normal for some to take a bit longer to hit milestones like rolling over.
According to the NHS, if they can't roll to either side by around six months and you’ve tried all of these techniques but you’re still not seeing any improvement after a few months, please speak to your health visitor or GP.
Dr Amanda says, “It's normal for some babies to roll over earlier or later than the average four to six months. Factors like premature birth, muscle tone variations, and individual developmental pace can influence this timeline. If a baby hasn't shown any signs of attempting to roll over by six months, it’s advisable to consult a health visitor or doctor.
Early intervention is key, and professionals can provide exercises and guidance to support your baby’s motor development. Always remember, each baby develops at their own pace, but it's important to seek advice if you have concerns.”
What can parents do when babies roll over when they sleep?
Dr Amanda says, “Always place your baby on their back to sleep, but if they roll over on their own, it's generally okay to leave them in that position. Ensure your baby’s sleep environment is safe by placing them on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and avoiding loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals. To reduce the risk of SIDS, make sure your baby’s crib is free from any suffocation hazards.”
Toys to encourage baby to roll over
To support your baby's development and ensure they have a safe environment to practice rolling over, consider these products.
This interactive play gym encourages movement with lights, sounds, and toys. We love this because the piano keys at the base of the gym encourage your baby to kick, which strengthens leg muscles. The hanging toys above stimulate reaching and grasping, promoting upper body strength necessary for rolling.
One mum reviewer said: "My baby absolutely loves this. Keeps him completely occupied. Really helped during tummy time. Love the adjustability because now at 8 months he sits up and plays. Also, this is the only toy that I can actually stand the music, and I find myself walking around singing as well. Beautiful colors. Easy to store and takes up little space."
Pros
- Stimulates sensory development
- Adjustable arches for various play modes
- Encourages both upper and lower body movement
Cons
- Requires batteries
- Can be bulky
We love this pillow and activity mat because it's plush and padded, ensuring the baby is comfy. The pillow helps elevate the baby’s chest, making it easier to reach for toys and practice rolling over.
One review said: "Really cute design, perfect for encouraging tummy time for the little one or to just have a chill and play."
Pros
- Supports chest elevation, includes engaging toys, soft and plush material.
Cons
- May not be suitable as the baby grows
One of the most loved playgyms for its quality, the Loveevery Play Gym includes high-contrast cards and a variety of textures to stimulate your baby's senses. It provides an engaging environment for tummy time, which helps build the strength needed for rolling over.
One reviewer said: "This is absolutely a stunning play mat. It can be used from birth and it caters for all developmental needs of babies under one year old. I wish I had it with my first one. But to be frank it will not make your baby calm if they are fussy neither will it make them play independently when they are not ready to do so. So please don’t expect miracles from it. Also this is very expensive play mat and in my opinion it is worth the money if you don’t need to stretch your budget to buy it."
Read our full Lovevery The Play Gym review
Pros
- Includes a range of activities to engage your baby
- Made from sustainably sourced materials
- Grows with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood
Cons
- Higher price point
About the expert
Dr Amanda Gummer is neuropsychologist with over 20 years of experience in child development and play. She is the founder and CEO of The Good Play Guide, a leading independent review platform for children’s toys, apps, and educational products. Dr. Gummer also established Fundamentally Children, a research consultancy focused on child development and parenting.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.