If you're a parent of an infant, there's no doubt that you're eagerly anticipating the exciting moment when your baby rolls over for the first time. It's this little accomplishment that seems like nothing short of magic - especially if your baby has been struggling with it for a while. But how can you encourage your little one to roll over? And what do you need to know about helping them get there? Whether they seem close already or are just starting out on their webby tumbling journey, read on for tips and tricks on getting your baby rolling.
Why Is Rolling Important?
Before we launch into all the ways in which we can help our babies develop new skills, let's take a step back and remind ourselves why rolling is so important in the first place. Generally speaking, rolling from front-to-back or back-to-front usually occurs around 4-6 months old because it requires some good neck control and upper body strength(preferably at least). Rolling plays an important role in developing these areas further,and Allows infants different degrees of independence as well.
Signs That Your Baby Is Ready To Roll
Like many developmental milestones, rolling can happen anytime between four months(woohoo) and six (Hey! Don't hurry me!)months old; every child is specific.(Roll before I'm ready? No way!). Some signs indicate that preparations are underway:
- Your little one will start paying attention more often
2.Scooting around (
I mean have ya ever seen anyone scoot with two legs????) rather than staying put(as intelligent beings would).
Additionally,babies who sit up unaided may be able to grip toys tightly using both hands(talented much?), meaning they've got pretty good trunk control when facedown(simply wow!).
Helping Them Get Started With Tummy Time
As with many things in life, practice makes perfect-and that statement is so true with tummy time. Regularly placing your baby on their stomach can help build the muscles needed for rolling over. But let's face it, not all of our little ones enjoy floor exercises quite as much as we'd hope(mine would rather sit and watch cartoons than do anything physical). Here are some tips to make it more enjoyable:
1.Create a relaxed environment-try making a playlist of lullabies or calming songs(why not throw in some Pink Floyd while at it), dimming the lights, putting a favourite blanket beneath them and keeping toys within range.
2.Use interesting toys- Colourful teething rings(these come through right about now!) are great tools that will keep your baby occupied during playtime
3.Encourage Your Little One To Lift Their Head High
One way to encourage babies to lift their heads during tummy time is to lie down yourself directly in front of them.Exciting enough,some babies prefer looking at you head-on instead of staring into space,some even get discouraged when no one is there making faces for them. Place yourself roughly around an arms' length away from your infant( ???? ),hold out child-friendly objects (lego blocks,retrievers,candy,balloons)that stimulate curiosity. Encourages hands-eye coordination ensuring maximum fun!
Using A Folded Towel Or Blanket To Help Baby Roll Over
So,you've got tummy time sorted(for daytime atleast)-now onto getting up! Simple roll overs aren't always simple. Sometimes parents might aid this process though by giving something soft like a folded towel/blanket(yes,you're welcome????)to give extra lift.It also gives older infants additional support they may need.In addition,the use thereof allows infants ample opportunities implementing skills learnt throughout daily activities(well....we hope). The following steps might prove helpful:
1.Lie down a large,flat blanket or towel(or two separate towels if you have them)
2.Place your baby on their back in the center of the blanket
3.On either side of your infant, take one edge of the blanket and fold it up around halfway
4.Gently use it to ease onto whichever sides yet no further.e.g when tucking towards infant's right side,fold lengthwise from left(ish)corner over until shoulders definitely at most 45 degrees away
5.Have mom/dad/sibling/someone close by to clap or express joyous gratitude.
Encourage With Cheerful Playtime
As much as we want our babies to reach these milestones early-on(in time for bragging rights????),we should also remember that fun is important too! Incorporating a few cheerful activities/crazy games during playtime(did someone say break dance?)can go far in keeping everyone happy. Some ideas include:
1.Rolling A Ball Back And Forth-Make Sure To Include A Sing-Along (Measure this activity as “together but distinct ???? ”)
2.Encouraging Belly Laughs By Blowing Bubbles(small enough so they're not all over the place!)
3.Playing Peek-A-Boo Games (ever seen some sweetly cute faces after this?)
The specific goal here?Keeping them giggling( my favourite sound!).
Moving On Up: What Comes After Rolling?
With rolling out of the way,it can be giddy knowing what milestone comes next.Wait...it doesn't stop there?! As fun as rolling may be(everything rolls,but something gotta pay!),there are still areas requiring extra help.Read up-and-good luck parents!
Crawling And Shuffle(waawh)
As infants with efficient movement ability generally transition earlier,learning/shuffle crawling is one way of doing this.These are basic first moves for little ones,so celebrate each win!!
Sitting Up Unaided
Moving on to trying to sit unsupported,don't put baby in a corner-nudge them gently into an upright pose,making sure feet,torso and neck are well-supported(To infinity and beyond!) And for sugar-coating effect,give support with words of encouragement!
Standing Alone(enough said!)
Yes,you read right!It's a milestone at some point whether we like it or not(and hope they'll start out close-to-wall????).Some tips however,giving us calm before what lays ahead:
1.Support With Furniture By Holding On To Babys' Hands
2.Put down blankets so they have something soft resting beneath-let's all be honest here-one can never be too certain.
3.Hold Them In A Supportive Way Under The Armpits(Major safety precaution:avoid lifting upwards)!]
Rolling over may seem small,but it's the foundation for so many bigger movements down the line. So cheer your little one every time they roll-it may just inspire them onto their next milestone(if mom will stop cheering already!). Remember,every child does things their own unique way -while there's no set timeline for hitting these targets,it always good sharing insights where we can.In conclusion-here’s hoping that by now you've acquired insight to help conquer those developmental milestones confidently but informally.Roll,baby,Roll!!!