Parents often search for this information when their babies roll onto their bellies in the crib but can’t roll back, leading to sleep disruptions. While rolling from belly to back is typically harder to teach, understanding both the developmental process and sleep strategies can help parents navigate this challenging time.
How Motor Milestones Impact Sleep
As exciting as these developmental milestones are, they can significantly disrupt sleep patterns:
- Rolling: When babies learn to roll onto their tummies but can’t roll back
- Sitting: When they can pull up to sitting but struggle to lie back down
- Standing: When they pull to stand in the crib but can’t get back down
Each new skill brings both celebration and potential sleep challenges for the whole family!
Why Tummy Time Is Essential for Rolling
Rolling from belly to back often develops naturally as babies:
- Spend more time on their tummies
- Begin pushing up onto extended arms
- Develop core and neck strength
This highlights why consistent, quality tummy time is crucial for development.
The Developmental Sequence of Rolling
As babies spend time on their tummies, they progress through these stages:
- Propping on forearms with their elbows under their shoulders
- Pushing up onto extended arms with their hands under their shoulders
- Weight shifting from side to side while their elbows and hands are under their shoulders
- Eventually using this weight shift to roll onto their back
Initially, the roll may look accidental—like they’ve simply “plopped over.” This is normal! With practice, babies refine this movement into a more controlled skill. For a simple step breakdown check out this video!
Tips to Encourage Belly-to-Back Rolling
Use Visual Tracking
Hold a favorite toy while your baby is on their tummy, then slowly move it upward and to the side to encourage them to shift their weight and follow with their eyes, potentially initiating a roll.
Try Side-Lying Position
The side-lying position creates an easier transition to the back:
- Position baby on their side
- Use a toy to encourage them to track and roll the rest of the way
- Gradually progress from side-lying to more of a tummy position as they gain confidence
Create Slight Inclines
Place a small rolled towel or pillow under one side of baby’s chest while they’re on their tummy, creating a slight incline that can help initiate the rolling motion.
Sleep Solutions During the Rolling Phase
When your baby starts rolling in the crib, you’ll face a few immediate challenges:
Swaddle Transitions
Once rolling begins, swaddling is no longer safe. Consider transition swaddles that allow for arm movement while still providing some of the comfort of swaddling.
Managing Middle-of-Night Rolls
When your baby rolls to their tummy and wakes upset:
- Don’t simply pick them up and place them back on their back
- Do help them learn the rolling skill by guiding them through the motion
- Remember: spending more time teaching during the day means less disruption at night
Safety Considerations
- Always consult your pediatrician about safe sleep positions once rolling begins
- Some babies may be cleared to sleep on their tummies once they can roll independently
- Ensure the crib is free of pillows, blankets, and other items regardless of sleep position
Handling Later Milestones: Sitting and Standing
When babies learn to sit or stand in the crib:
- Resist the urge to continually lay them back down
- Understand that repeatedly repositioning them can turn into a game
- Focus on teaching these skills during daytime practice:
- How to get from sitting to lying down
- How to safely move from standing to sitting
Most babies will figure out how to get back down after a few days of practice, even if it means some temporarily disrupted sleep while they learn.
Remember the Foundations
The most important factor is increasing tummy time duration and quality during the day. Focus on:
- Weight-bearing on arms under shoulders
- Weight-shifting practice
- Core strength development
With consistent practice and proper support, most babies will master these skills as their muscles strengthen and their body awareness improves. Better motor skills during the day typically lead to better sleep for everyone at night!
Check out our 6 week rolling course or sign up for telehealth to support your child!