My Baby Stopped Rolling Over – 5 Solid Tips to Support Their Development

It’s a joy to witness your baby’s first roll-over moments – a sure sign of their growing strength and curiosity. But what if suddenly, your baby stopped rolling over?

Don’t panic! It’s normal to have questions. If your little one has mastered this ability and suddenly stops, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your baby’s development. 

In this guide, I will help you understand rolling over as a developmental milestone in babies, why your baby stopped rolling over, and what you should do to help.

What Does My Baby Stopped Rolling Over Mean To Their Development?

Developmental milestones help to determine if a child is growing physically and mentally at a normal rate and, hence, considered a normal baby.

Rolling over is a developmental milestone that a baby has to go through. It is a key part of their development as it enables babies to begin their next developmental milestones like crawling, sitting up, and walking. 

However, rolling over is a better determiner of walking than sitting up. Although sitting up requires more strength, rolling over requires the use of different muscles which is similar to walking. This is why rolling over is considered a very important milestone in a baby’s development.

When Should My Baby Start Rolling Over?

Your baby needs to know how to hold his or her head up without any help before your baby can start learning to roll over. 

Some babies can roll over as early as 3 months but on average, the rollover age for most babies is within 4 to 6 months. Since babies are unique and different, some babies can start rolling sooner while others are late.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that almost every baby rolls over at least once by 7 months of age. Around 4 to 6 months of age, the neck and arm muscles of your baby will be strong enough to enable your baby to roll over from tummy to back. This is when your baby starts exercising to roll over. 

Babies might surprise their parents by rolling over unexpectedly, that’s why at this stage, parents should take measures so that their baby doesn’t fall off the bed or from an elevated area. Also, having a baby who just started rolling over is enough sign that your baby might not be ready to go from crib to full bed. 

So, there’s no reason to panic if your baby stopped rolling over suddenly before 7 months as the baby will learn to roll over again. But, if the baby doesn’t roll over after 7 months, something might be wrong with his or her development. 

Types Of Rolling Over In Babies

1. Rolling Front To Back

Most babies begin rolling from front to back before back to front. Typically, you will see your baby push upon their hands first then you will see your baby rolling from front to back. 

You are likely to see babies kick themselves over before rolling. They accidentally do this when they’re mad or have a burst of adrenaline.

2. Rolling Back To Front

Your baby might roll over from front to back at 4 months. But, it takes longer for the baby to roll from the back to the front. This requires stronger neck, back, and arm muscles. Most babies do this at 6 months while some are a little later until 8 months—that’s fine too.

Why Baby Stopped Rolling Over?

Babies learn new skills every day and at a different pace. If your baby stopped rolling over, don’t worry right away, because your baby might be in another phase of development. Reasons babies stop rolling over include:

• The baby might have recently increased in weight

• The baby simply doesn’t want to roll over anymore

• Baby is sick or recently got vaccinated 

• The baby is busy learning other motor skills like crawling, sitting up, talking, or walking

• The baby’s brain might be preoccupied with something else like food or toys

When Should I Be Worried If My Baby Stopped Rolling Over?

All babies develop differently and rolling over is a transitional milestone that varies in babies. If your baby stopped rolling over because of other developmental milestones or added more weight, your baby can begin rolling over again when you encourage your baby to do so.

If your baby stopped rolling over, you should check and see if your baby is working on other developmental milestones like crawling or sitting up. If not, take your baby to his or her pediatrician immediately. 

It’s okay to think your baby is too big for a bassinet once your baby stops rolling over. However, ensure the reason your baby stopped isn’t linked to developmental problems. Be concerned if your baby experiences the following:

• Baby stops babbling

• Baby is no longer interested in reaching for toys or other objects

• Baby misses or delays with other developmental milestones

• If the baby suffocates during sleep or in bed because the baby can no longer roll over

Once you notice your baby experiencing any of these difficulties, don’t hesitate to go see your baby’s pediatrician. Your baby doctor will assess your child’s growth and development.

Also, your doctor will further help you understand better what stage of development your baby is experiencing. This way, you can find out if something is wrong with your little one. 

Signs Your Baby Stopped Rolling Over Due To Developmental Delay or Disorder

Many factors are at play when a baby stops rolling over suddenly due to a developmental disorder. The majority of these cases are linked to autism, while others are a result of other developmental problems:

• Stiff arms

• Stiff legs

• Inability to sit up on their own by nine months

• Floppy movement that signals little muscle tone

• Not responsive to noise or name

• Baby doesn’t like to be held

• Inability to support their weight by nine months

If any of these happens to your child, call your baby’s pediatrician immediately, the doctor will educate you more about your baby’s development and what you’re to do next.

What To Do To Encourage Your Baby Roll Over Again

If the reason your baby stopped rolling over isn’t linked to a developmental disorder, here are effective tips that can encourage that ability again in your baby.

1. Give Baby More Tummy Time

Babies look beautiful especially when you put them on their tummy and they try to roll over by themself. All your little need to begin rolling over again might be more tummy time. Tummy time helps develop core muscles and strengthen the back, shoulder, and neck.

You should choose a comfortable, non-toxic play mat and place it on the floor before putting your baby on his or her tummy. If your baby resists tummy time, try it with your baby to give your baby encouragement. Moving on the floor is fun, you should try it.

2. Place Toys In Front Of Your Baby

Babies love to play with colorful toys. Place a few toys around your baby during playtime and watch how your baby will be motivated to reach out for those toys. 

You could hold out a few toys from your baby’s reach and ask your baby to come to get them, your baby will need to roll over to grab the toys. Also, lying next to your baby and asking him or her to come to you is a great start.

3. Avoid Baby Equipment

The reason your baby stopped rolling over might be because your baby is confined to baby equipment like car seats, swings, or bouncers. 

This equipment could stop and delay rolling over since it offers no space for your baby to roll over from front to back or back to front. 

This gear can hinder your baby even after reaching the floor because your baby isn’t used to it and might be afraid to try. 

4. Stop Swaddling Your Baby

Of course, the benefits of swaddling a baby are numerous. It mimics the womb-like experience for your baby. Unfortunately, swaddling might harm your baby when swaddled frequently.

The first time you notice your baby starts rolling over, it might be best if you start transitioning your baby out of swaddling. 

If your baby rolls over at night while swaddled, your baby might not be able to roll back which could cause a high risk of suffocation. Improper swaddling can increase the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you stop swaddling your baby at around 2 months of age every night. Frequent swaddling can limit and delay your baby’s development of motor skills.

Perhaps, you’re also wondering why your baby sleeps with his mouth open, begin by checking your swaddling approach and ensure it isn’t causing your baby difficulty in breathing while sleeping.

5. Lie Baby On the Side Position

The best position to encourage your baby rollover gain is lying baby on his or her side, either a left or right position is just fine. You will notice your baby trying hard to roll over. 

If the baby still can’t roll over, give your baby a gentle push and hold back. This way, babies think they did it themself and will be happy to keep trying. 

6. Dress Baby In Onesie More Often

Your baby has to be comfortable to be able to roll over and that includes baby dressing. When babies lay on the floor wearing only a onesie, they feel more comfortable and light. This makes it easier for the baby to roll over. 

Also, It’s best if you remove your baby’s diaper to remove pressure from the baby’s hips and legs, which better allows your baby to move. 

7. Praise Your Baby Even At Failed Attempts

If your baby stopped rolling over and your attempt to make your baby roll over again failed, don’t feel discouraged. Instead, encourage your baby by praising him or her. Applaud your baby when your baby fails to roll over. 

Maybe you think your baby is too young to understand your praise. Your baby will understand your smiles and gentle touch as a way of encouraging him or her. Baby will be happy to keep trying. 

8. Physical Therapy

If your baby isn’t rolling over after trying other methods outlined in this guide, then it’s okay to seek the help of your baby’s pediatrician. Oftentimes, your doctor will recommend a physical therapist who will work you through a process that could help your little one roll over again. 

Do Some Babies Skip Rolling Over?

This isn’t very common and most babies that skip rolling over typically skip rolling back to front. It’s uncommon for babies to skip rolling from front to back. 

Some babies don’t follow the set developmental milestones. Hence, some babies might get to crawl or sit up first before getting to roll over—it’s fine too. 

If your baby has started working on one milestone such as crawling and sitting up, allow your baby to master this and he or she can get back to rolling over later. 

Can My Baby Sit Up Before Rolling Over Again?

Some babies learn to sit up first before rolling over. This isn’t just possible but also common. Babies need to have the muscles to hold their heads up and balance to sit down. 

While rolling over requires more muscle strength. Also, your baby stopped rolling over could be linked to your baby working on other motor skills like sitting up. 

Conclusion

If your baby stopped rolling over suddenly, you shouldn’t be worried about this, unless your baby starts to lose other developmental milestones. When you notice this, contact your baby’s pediatrician right away. 

Also, if your baby stops, you should check and see if your baby is learning other new abilities, if not, you can encourage your baby to roll over using the tips discussed in this guide.

However, if nothing changes, it’s best to reach out to your baby’s doctor for an assessment which will let you know if something is truly wrong with your baby.