Is it normal for my baby not to roll over yet?
Yes, some babies take longer to roll over, which may happen between 6 and 12 months of age. However, if your baby is not attempting to roll or move their body even after a year, then it may indicate a motor delay. You should take early guidance from a pediatric physiotherapist who can address this concern gently and effectively
Every child grows at their own pace. Babies know how to lift their heads, roll over, sit, and crawl when they are in the first year of their development. In this period, they started to recognise faces, smile at different things, try to speak and sing and many more things that make parents awe. The scenario can be a little different for children with developmental delays. Parents start to worry when their baby is not crawling or rolling over even after one year. If you are wondering “Why is my baby not rolling over?”, you just need to calm down first and get into the matter a little deeper.
Why Is It Important for Children to Roll Over?
If you are a new parent, you may not be well versed in the importance of babies rolling over or why you should worry if your baby is not rolling over or crawling. Crawling and rolling over are developmental milestones for babies from 6 months to 12 months. Babies start rolling over their stomachs, raising their heads, and trying to sit with the support of their hands. During this period, they also start to open and close their fingers, and hold things at their reach, especially the fingers of their parents, toys, etc.
Not rolling over even after 12 months can be a sign of gross motor delay in a child. Like, babies are suffering from developmental delays if they cannot raise their heads while laying on their stomachs when they are at the age of 3 to 4 months. In that case, you need to visit a physiotherapy clinic for kids near you to consult with a pediatric therapist.
What Rolling Over Skills Should Your Baby Have at Each Age?
Knowing what a baby can demonstrate at their respective age is a good way to reflect upon the expectations laid down. Remember, every baby matures at their own pace, and anything short of the normal is not a true delay.
At 3-4 months:
- Raise the head while lying on the tummy
- Tilt the head down from one side to the other
- Pushes up using the forearm during tummy time
At 5-6 months
- Rolling from tummy to back
- Putting hands into the mouth
- Shows curiosity and interest in movement
At 7-9 months
- Rolling both ways
- Trying to sit with little support
- Crawling with arms and legs moving together
At 10-12 months
- Rolling while playing
- Assuming a sitting position independently
- Starting to prepare for crawling
If your baby is lacking in several skills or is not interested in movement, you should contact a pediatric physical therapist near you for appropriate support.
Which Muscles are Importance for Babies to Roll Over in the beginning?
In order to learn why your baby is not rolling over, you have to understand first how they actually roll over. Before anything, parents need to keep in mind that rolling over is a complex movement. Going from a supine position (laying on the back) to a prone position (laying on the belly) or doing the opposite requires strong and well-developed flexor muscles. If these muscles are not fully developed, it can make it difficult for a baby to roll over. Babies can still try to roll over, however, they might not be able to accomplish this developmental challenge without external support.
What Is the Best Thing You Can Do to Make Your Child Roll Over?
Before you talk to a doctor or consider physiotherapy for infants, you need to first understand your child’s psychology and the reason behind his/her not rolling over. Each and every child is different. So, your child may not find rolling over interesting and that is why he/she doesn’t roll over. But, as a parent, you need to make sure that the reason is not a serious health condition or a developmental disorder. You can make sure of the reasons by changing the environment where they might enjoy moving, crawling and rolling over. You can also demonstrate how to roll over by doing yourself while playing so that they also do that to imitate you.
When Should Parents Consult a Pediatric Physiotherapist?
IIf your baby is around 9-10months old and still not attempting to roll over, then it is the best time to seek professional gudiance. Notice the following signs:
- Head or neck control now feels weak even beyond four months.
- Movements appear to be unnaturally stiff or excessively floppy.
- Your baby is more inclined to use one side of the body than the other.
- Several physical milestones the baby seems to miss.
In such cases, early intervention through physiotherapy can gently build strength and coordination that support your baby’s natural growth and development.
Not Rolling Over- Is It Something for You to Worry?
During the discussion, we have already mentioned the significance of rolling over for a child. Your child may not roll over frequently. But, if they can do it once in a while without your help, there is nothing to worry about. However, if that is not the case, this might be a case of motor disorder.
Hope Abilitation Medical Center is a rehabilitation center offering pediatric physiotherapy for kids in Dubai. Our pediatric physiotherapists are known for their holistic approach that helps parents address their children’s developmental delays and suggest the best therapy to overcome developmental milestones. Our pediatric physical therapy programs are designed to improve the strength, gross motor skills, coordination, flexibility, balance, and sensory integration of children.
Click here to learn more about our physiotherapy clinic and call us to book an appointment!
FAQs
If your baby is between 9 and 12 months and has not attempted to roll over, then it is the right time to consult a pediatric physiotherapist without delay.
Rolling over needs several muscles to work cooperatively, that includes neck, shoulders, tummy, hips and trunk. Together, they help your baby comfortably move, twist and balance.
You can encourage your baby to roll over by giving plenty of tummy time each day. Additionally, let them spend time on the floor and place toys out of reach that motivate them to move, explore and give rolling a try.
Not necessarily. Some babies roll less often. However, if rolling needs help or feels inconsistent, then go for a professional assessment to rule out any concern related to motor development delay.
