Rolling is one of the first “on the go” milestones. Once your baby is rolling, they will be officially on the move. Just think “toes, tilt, and tumble!”
This guide will walk (or roll) you through a couple simple, but effective exercises.
- Happy Baby Pose: Grabbing their toes is a milestone we look for around the same time we expect rolling. This gives us a lot of information regarding core strength. Practicing this motion will help babies strengthen their tummy muscles that are needed for rolling. Here are a few tips to encourage this position
- Remove their pants/socks. Allow them to explore their legs
- Place them on their side. This takes away gravity and makes it a little easier
- Place your leg or roll up a small towel and place it under their hips. This elevates their legs helping them grab them easier.
- Loop a toy around their foot for a little extra motivation.
2. Tummy Time Plus: If you are wondering about rolling, your baby may be a tummy time pro already. If not, check out our tummy time blog for a couple tips. To roll successfully, baby needs to master shifting their weight left and right or tilt to the side. Below are a couple drills you can try out while doing tummy time (listed easiest to most challenging)
- Tracking a toy left and right
- Rocking left and right on a yoga ball
- Placing toys on the ground to encourage the baby to reach for them
- Holding a toy at eye level to encourage the baby to reach for them off the ground
3. Roly Poly Playtime: There is no better way to learn a skill than to practice the skill. We can get your baby to tumble, by guiding them through the rolling motion. Start by doing this when placing your child in tummy time. Assisting them at their hips or legs only, encourages them to work on their upper body. Once they are comfortable with the movement, try practicing several in a row.
When should my baby start rolling?
While baby milestones are a range, most babies will roll between 4-6 months. Try these out and let us know in the comments if it was the secret sauce to get your baby rolling. Just remember: toes, tilt, and tumble.
If your baby isn’t showing signs of rolling by 6 months, this is a good topic to bring up with your Pediatrician or a Pediatric Physical Therapist. A great resource is the CDC milestone checker. Try this link if you are wondering what else your child should be doing around 6 months. Rolling is just the beginning. Stay tunned for more tips on sitting, crawling, and walking! While they won’t quite be ready to explore Savannah, GA yet, they will start building the strength they need for lifelong movement success!
Want more tips?
If you are concerned about your baby’s rolling progress, our pediatric physical therapist can help! Contact Savannah Speech and Hearing Center for a physical therapy assessment.
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