A baby learns to move when he starts rolling over. He then uses almost all muscle groups and must therefore have them under control. Rolling over is important for a baby’s development. This way he learns to crawl, walk and keep his balance. Almost all babies first roll from their back to their side, then onto their stomach and, after some practice, back to their back. Most babies start rolling over somewhere between three and six months and by around nine months they can roll in any direction.
Why does a baby roll over?
A baby must learn to move, rolling over is the first step in this development. It is also an important step because he needs it to learn to sit, crawl, stand and walk. In addition, a baby learns to keep his balance. In order to roll, a baby must have control over its muscles. He uses almost all muscle groups.
Rolling over
Babies usually start by rolling from their backs to their sides. This starts anywhere between three and six months but there are exceptions. Some babies develop faster, while other babies develop a little slower. Premature babies often start rolling over a little later. Every child will develop in his own way and at his own pace.
From the belly to the back
The attempts to roll are becoming increasingly smoother through the many practices. Most babies roll from their stomach to their back and from their back to their stomach. A baby who can roll from his back to his stomach usually does not roll back. That could take several months. At around nine months, a baby can roll in all directions. This gives the parents more peace of mind. The baby no longer cries when he wants to turn back, but he turns over himself and therefore falls asleep more easily. A baby with a lot of temperament often rolls over more quickly than a calm or heavier baby.
How can you encourage a baby to roll over?
There are various exercises you can do to encourage your baby to roll over.
- Place your baby’s favorite toys further away so that he has to make an effort to reach for them.
- A baby needs space to move. Take a play mat and let the baby play on it with a few toys.
- To help the baby roll over, place one leg crosswise over the other leg. The start has been made, the baby now has to learn to roll further on its own.
- Place the baby on the stomach. A baby lying on his stomach pushes himself up with his arms and lifts his head. This exercise strengthens the muscles of the upper body and neck, making it easier to roll over.
- When the baby is lying on his stomach, place the toy a little higher so that he grabs it with one hand and leans his weight to one side, making it easier for him to roll over.
- Encourage your baby when he attempts to turn and respond enthusiastically when he succeeds. A baby is sensitive to this and enjoys practicing.
Rolling over can cause dangerous situations
Dangerous situations can arise when a baby is able to roll over. Even if your baby has not yet rolled over, you should keep in mind that it can happen unexpectedly. Never place a baby on a platform unattended. A baby sees no danger and rolls over when he wants to. He could fall off the platform and hurt himself or bump into something.
Roll over in bed
Even in his crib, a baby is in danger when he tosses and turns. This can cause him to get stuck in the sheet or blanket and suffocate. You can prevent this by tucking the bedding properly at the foot end. Also look at the baby every now and then until he has fallen asleep.
A delay in development
Sometimes babies have developmental delays that prevent them from rolling over. Possible causes of developmental delay are:
- Problems with vision and hearing that are not noticed in time.
- Neurological disorders.
- Not enough stimulation for a baby.
- Chromosome abnormalities. For example, with Down syndrome, a baby is delayed in its development.
- Damage to the brain due to: an accident, oxygen deficiency, infection, medication, alcohol and drug use, epileptic attacks and problems with the blood supply.
- Metabolic diseases. After birth, a baby is tested for a number of metabolic diseases with a heel prick. Treatment for these metabolic diseases is possible at an early stage.
A physical cause
Children with developmental delays often also have problems with social and emotional development and with language development. This partly depends on the cause and severity of the delay. There are also children who only have a physical disadvantage. They lag behind due to, for example, a muscle disease. It is not the case that children can always catch up on developmental delays. They have to learn to deal with their disability.
The treatment of a child with developmental delay
In most cases, cure is not possible, but treatment focuses on development. The child learns to deal with limitations. Development is stimulated through play by practicing as much as possible without asking too much of the child.
Care providers who help stimulate development are: a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and rehabilitation doctor. Parents can also receive support in guiding a child with developmental delays.
