Just when you think you’ve mastered the art of baby sleep, they develop a new skill: rolling over!
This sweet little milestone is all fun and games, until suddenly all your best laid sleep routines are thrown out the window! Your little one will want to explore their new found freedom by rolling from back to belly, belly to back, and every which way in between, right when they should be sleeping.
So… what happens now?
Experts recommend the following strategies to assist with babies learning to roll:
- Continue to put your baby to sleep on their back at the beginning of their rest time, even though chances are they will not stay that way! Once babies have mastered the art of rolling over, they will toss and turn until they eventually find their ideal comfortable sleep position.
- Ensure that your bassinet/cot remains safe for sleeping at all times. Keep your baby’s sleep space free from blankets, toys or other sleep aids, and ensure that the level of your cot is appropriate for their developmental age. A firm mattress with well fitted sheet is a must: check out our range of Organic Baby Bedding to get you started.
- Ditch the swaddle! Make sure your baby's sleepwear is non-restrictive and will allow them to roll around safely in their cot. It’s time to start transitioning to a sleep sack that allow their arms to be free. Our award-winning Sleepy Hugs Original and Hands In & Out sleep sacks are designed to help babies make the journey from swaddling to arms out, while providing the security to control the startle reflex and promote longer sleep.
- Just go with it! Your baby is exploring this new and exciting developmental milestone and will want to practice it day and night. Encourage this new skill during play time throughout the day, to help them build up their strength and confidence. Soon they’ll be flipping back and forth like a pro!
While your baby is fine tuning their roly-poly skills, be prepared for a few restless nights (and a little frayed patience) but stick to your usual bedtime routine, take a deep breath, and remember: this too shall pass.
Very soon your little one will settle into their new sleep routine, and life will go back to normal – until they discover and master their next milestone: pulling to stand!
At what age did your baby learn to roll?
Reminder: Your baby’s safety should always be your first priority
Always follow the Red Nose Foundation’s advice:
"It is essential to discontinue wrapping as soon as baby starts showing signs that they can begin to roll, usually between 4-6 months of age but sometimes younger."
“Put baby down to sleep on their back, make sure their face and head remain uncovered, and make sure the cot is safe with a firm flat mattress and with no additional items in the cot including pillows, loose sheets or blankets.”
