Baby Stopped Rolling Over: What Shall I Do?

Babies are constantly a surprise, unpredictable, and are almost a mystery to me. I would know since I have five of them. When my baby stopped rolling over, I was freaked out!

All my kids started to roll over early until they learned to walk, except the youngest. Each of them is unique and special.

I worried a lot and asked questions. I thought there was something going on bad. But not all situations don’t need to be serious. That’s why I want to share my experience.

Are you with me?

What is rolling over all about?

For me, rolling over is the next anticipated moment of a baby, next to her smile. It’s not permanently the same to all, but it usually starts when they’re around five months old.

Hence, rolling over is a sign that your baby is ready for locomotion. Whatever comes first, it is the ability of the infant to roll from front-to-back and the other way around.

Some may continue doing so until they crawl, yet others just stop.

I was frantic when my baby stopped rolling over. I was consumed with anguish that I had to bring him to a professional.

I was scared that there might be something awful that’s causing it. However, guess what? The doctor said, “It’s completely normal.”

What makes the baby stopped rolling over?

The ability of your baby to roll over is dependent on some factors. It is not advisable to compare. Each infant has her own developmental phase.

When I learned about it, I suddenly understood what’s going on.

1. Baby’s Weight

Initially, babies must strengthen their frame. The leg, neck, back and arm muscles are the vital parts that exert effort in moving their body. Rolling over will depend on how fast they become strong.

Nevertheless, be mindful of your child’s weight. If she gets so plump, it would be hard for her to start rolling over.

2. Belly time for the little one

Babies need a little help from us. I let my baby do some tummy time exercises to support his physical development. It allows her to use her arms, legs. Most importantly, it increases neck strength.

Tummy times makes the muscles tougher, thus preparing him to roll over. My baby was not fond of the idea at first. With some mommy creativity, we made it.

You may like to play a little game with her. Place her favorite toy or anything that would raise her interest where she can see it, but can barely reach. I used the detached figures of her crib mobile to catch her attention.

You will be surprised to discover how determined she will be to touch it.

3. Overcoming the Fear

I remember the horrified expressions of my babies the first time they learned how to roll. It was an instant fear of unexpected motion. I guess, for them, it was something new. It is one aspect that could keep them from rolling back.

Not unless they get used to it, they won’t roll again.

Nonetheless, as a parent, I need to make her space secure:

• checkI took away any objects that can cause her harm.
• checkI even padded the walls that she may hit into.
• checkI blocked the edges of the bed in case she falls down, and used a soft crib sheet for comfort.
• checkAnd lastly, I never left her unattended.

4. Development of motor skills

So, my baby stopped rolling over. It’s no big deal. As I observed, she’s very active when it comes to kicking, cooing, and eating.

She even giggles so loud and loves to play with her toys. She’s normal. There’s nothing wrong with her.

The fact is, non-rollers are active in focusing on other motor skills. Babies can only do it one at a time.

My baby was more interested in gibbering and playing with her toys. She was amazing in dragging her butt towards her milk too! Therefore, try to observe what your baby is so busy about.

Your baby’s energy and developing skills are being concentrated on these activities.

Some babies just grew tired of rolling over. Vaccines can also be a reason why they’re tired of doing so. Bottom-line, mothers should be observant on how their babies react.

What are the signs that my baby needs help?

Your motherly instinct is kicking out. You have this inner thought and anxiety that there’s something amiss. Mother knows best!

How can you be sure?

Here are the signs that you must watch out for. You need to seek professional help in case these signs are present.

• checkWhen your baby has not rolled over for six months
• checkThe infant is not active, can’t scoot or sit and weak to do some movements.
• checkYour child stopped playing, babbling and is no longer interested in reaching out to you.
• checkYour little one is uneasy, easily gets irritated and cries a lot.
• checkIf the baby shows the danger of suffocating herself because of the difficulty to roll over.

Here is a video showing a baby rolling over.

Rolling over shows a vital role in preparing your baby to advance physical activities such as sitting, crawling and eventually, walking. It enables the body to twist and turn in various directions. It is best to encourage her by giving assistance.

Rolling over is a developmental milestone for babies. Yet, some reach this stage early, others are late and a few don’t undergo at all.

Babies are full of wonder in their own way. Development is not a race, and it’s our privilege to watch our children grow. If your baby stopped rolling over, be patient and enjoy the show!

If you find this article useful, you are free to share this with all.

References:

https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a6504/developmental-milestones-rolling-over

http://babyscience.info/the-secret-to-rolling-over-an-unpredictable-milestone/