Babies generally start rolling over at around 4 months old, but it can happen anywhere between 3 and 6 months. Rolling over often starts with rocking from side to side, a motion that is the foundation for rolling over. Babies may also roll over from tummy to back, and its common for babies to roll over from tummy to back for a month or two before rolling over from their back to front. By 6 months old, most babies can roll over in both directions. Here are the average ranges for when babies start rolling:
- Back to side: babies typically roll from back to side between 4 and 5.5 months
- Belly to back: babies typically roll from belly to back between 4 and 6 months
- Back to belly: babies typically roll from back to belly between 5.5 and 7.5 months
To encourage rolling over, parents can place their baby on a blanket on the floor with a toy or book to one side near them to reach toward with their arms. Tummy time is also important for building the strength in the babys back, neck, and arms that theyll need for the big push to roll over.
