One Key Component of Rolling From Back to Tummy
Every movement milestone can be broken down into smaller and easier components. With practice, these components come together. The result is a big milestone like rolling from back to tummy!
When your baby rolls from side lying to their tummy, the muscles on the side of their neck and trunk contract to lift their head from the floor. This creates momentum to roll over their shoulder and end up on their tummy, with their head up so they can view the world around them (as illustrated above).
If your baby is rolling into side lying, but not over to their tummy (and is around the age of 3-5 months) then you can…
Try this:
Hold your baby on your lap with your hands around their trunk. Tilt their body to the side like this 👇🏼
A reflexive head righting reaction begins to emerge around 2-3 months old, and is usually fully developed at 4 months old. When tilted to the side, babies will lift their head to align their eyes with the horizon, even when their body is changing positions.
You should see an equal response to the left and right. If head righting has not emerged yet, then you'll notice that your baby does not lift their head up to the side (that means they are not ready for this activity, yet).
This activity is an easier and smaller component of rolling because lifting their head up to the side when upright is easier than laying on the floor. The effects of gravity are decreased in an upright position.
Everything, all in one place! 👇🏼
P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.