Motor Milestone Series: Rolling

In our new Motor Milestone Series we will discuss how parents can help facilitate activities through play. Rolling is typically the first major gross motor milestone that parents look forward to. Therefore, it’s the activity we will explore in this newsletter. As with all milestones, the age at which your child will start can vary widely. Additionally, rolling happens in multiple steps and typically occurs  between 2 and 5 months of age. The 3 stages we will explore today are: rolling from side to back, from back to side, and from back to stomach.

Rolling From Side to Back

Firstly, place your child on his or her side. Shake a rattle or other toy that makes noise above and behind their head. Start by gently rolling your child onto their back until they begin to initiate the movement independently.

Back to Side

Use toys on one side to encourage rolling to the side. Likewise, make sure your baby can reach for a toy across their body using both hands. To help, bring one knee over the other and your baby should continue the roll without help. If they don’t, have them hold onto your hand to help pull themselves the rest of the way. You can also try using a small wedge to help gravity assist your baby with rolling. Once your baby can roll side to back and back to side, you are ready to work on rolling back to stomach.

Rolling From Back to Stomach

Continue to use bright or noisy toys to motivate your child to complete the activity. Start with the toy to one side. Place child on back. With knee bent, bring one leg up and across stomach over opposite leg to begin roll. Allow child to roll over on side and then onto stomach.

For all rolling, make sure you practice to both the right and left sides. Always celebrate the small successes, and make it fun! If your baby isn’t rolling by 6 months of age at the latest, they might benefit from a physical therapy evaluation. Contact MOSAIC Health & Rehab to schedule a free screen or to set up an evaluation. Check out Gross Motor Milestones: Sitting to learn what your child should develop next. To learn more, check out this great milestone moments list from the CDC.