Rolling sometimes begins as a surprise
Rolling rarely arrives in a tidy, predictable way
By The Millie's Team · Parenting Notes
Around week twenty-three, the first roll may suddenly happen, often when nobody is watching. Many babies seem to discover rolling almost by accident before doing it again on purpose.
What is happening
Your baby's strength, balance and coordination have been building for weeks. At some point those pieces line up, and a small shift of weight tips them all the way over. The first time can be as much a surprise to your baby as it is to you.
Is this normal
Yes. Some babies roll early and often, some roll once and then not again for weeks, and others take a while to get going. All of these patterns are normal. Rolling does not need to be reliable to count as progress.
What you may notice
- A first roll, often during play or a nappy change
- A surprised or wide-eyed reaction afterwards
- Rolling more easily in one direction than the other
- Going back to lots of practice, with mixed results
What helps right now
- Always keeping a hand nearby on the changing mat
- Plenty of safe floor time for practice
- Clearing the area around your baby of small objects
- Reviewing where they sleep, especially blankets and toys
What to expect next
Over the coming weeks, rolling usually becomes more confident, first in one direction and later in both. Once it is reliable, it can change naps and nights for a short while as your baby practises in their cot.