Are you interested in when a baby starts turning and what it means for their skills?
Development of Movement in Infants
The first smile, the first sound, the first step – parents often remember every milestone in their child's development. Among the most significant milestones in the first year of life is the moment when the baby begins to roll over on its own. This is not only a sign of growing strength and coordination but also a precursor to other skills such as crawling or sitting. Although it may seem that all babies develop similarly, each child actually has their own pace. So there's no need to panic if "yours" isn't quite ready yet.
So when does a child usually start to roll over – from back to tummy, from tummy to back, or even head down before birth?
Rolling from Tummy to Back: The First Step to Independent Movement
One of the first motor milestones for most infants is rolling from tummy to back. This usually occurs between the third and fifth month of life. This movement is easier than the reverse direction because the baby can use gravity and the shifting weight of their head to roll back onto their back.
It's not uncommon for some babies to roll over for the first time "by accident," perhaps when trying to turn their head towards a sound or toy. Such a moment, when a parent finds the child lying completely differently, often comes unexpectedly – and with amazement and joy. Parents should keep in mind that plenty of tummy time during the day is key to developing the neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles necessary for rolling over.
When Will the Baby Roll from Back to Tummy?
Conversely, rolling from back to tummy is a more challenging movement that usually occurs slightly later – between the fifth and seventh month. It requires greater strength in the abdominal muscles and better coordination of the whole body. This movement is crucial because it transitions the child into an active position from which they can start crawling or creeping.
Parents can motivate the child with toys or their presence – for example, lying next to them and encouraging them with their voice. It's important that the environment is safe and the child has enough space to move. In practice, this means less time in loungers and more on a soft mat on the floor.
What If the Baby Doesn't Roll Over?
It's common for some children to start rolling over earlier, others later. There's no need to worry immediately if the child is not yet rolling from back to tummy at six months – it's important to monitor overall development. If the baby has sufficient strength in their limbs, responds to stimuli, lifts their head, and is active during tummy time, it may not be a problem. However, if parents are unsure, it's advisable to consult a pediatrician.
A good example is little Matěj, who at five months was still mostly lying on his back and wasn't even trying to roll over. The parents were slightly nervous, but after a recommendation from the pediatrician, they started daily tummy time, and within two weeks, Matěj rolled over for the first time. Sometimes it's really just about support and patience.
Turning Head Down
When discussing when a baby turns, it often also refers to the moment when they turn head down in the womb. This position, medically known as cephalic presentation, is the most common and suitable for natural childbirth. This turning usually occurs around the 32nd to 36th week of pregnancy.
At this stage of pregnancy, the baby is large and heavy enough to turn into a stable position. Although the uterus is still spacious, the baby has less room for free movement, so they settle into a position that is most comfortable for them – and also the safest for birth. Approximately 95% of babies are born head down, which is ideal for a smooth passage through the birth canal.
In some cases, the baby doesn't turn and remains in a breech position (bottom down). In such a situation, doctors decide whether a natural delivery is possible or recommend a cesarean section. There are also techniques to encourage the baby to turn – such as special exercises or an external version performed by a gynecologist.
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How to Help the Baby Develop Movement?
One of the most important things is plenty of free space. Too much time spent in loungers, bouncers, or baby carriers can limit the child's natural movement. It's much more suitable to let the baby spend time on a mat where they can freely explore their body and surroundings.
Another important element is regular stimulation – offering toys, sounds, or changing positions can motivate the child to move. Parents should ensure that the child has the opportunity to practice various positions – lying on their back, on their tummy, and on their sides.
In terms of long-term development, it's fascinating how these early movements relate to future skills. Rolling is the foundation for crawling, sitting, and walking. Each movement strengthens different muscles and develops coordination, which later translates into fine motor skills, speech, or the ability to learn.
What Can Parents Observe?
Although every child has their own pace, experts recommend paying attention to some indicative milestones in motor development:
- 3rd month – the child holds their head upright, turns their head towards sound
- 4th–5th month – rolling from tummy to back
- 5th–7th month – rolling from back to tummy
- 8th month and beyond – transitioning to crawling, getting on all fours, attempts to sit
Each of these steps assumes that the child can move freely, explore, and be motivated. And even if some children skip certain phases (for example, they don't like lying on their tummy and go straight to crawling), it's not necessarily a cause for concern if overall development is healthy and without signs of delay.
One of the most well-known pediatricians, Dr. Emmi Pikler, emphasized: "Child development is not a race. Each has the right to develop at their own pace." This approach encourages parents to be patient – and also to enjoy each phase instead of focusing on what the child "can't do yet."
A baby's development is a fascinating process during which a helpless newborn becomes a curious toddler. Rolling is one of the first steps towards this goal – and although it may seem minor, it's a huge step on the path to independence. Trust in natural development, support for movement, and observation of one's own child can help parents understand what their baby needs right now. And perhaps it's one of those moments that will be remembered forever.
