Can You Teach Your Baby to Roll Over?

Your baby's ability to roll over is a major achievement, notes the March of Dimes. Most babies are able to roll over by around three to seven months, but every baby is an individual and may develop at a different rate. If your baby is beginning to get comfortable being on the floor and looks anxious to become mobile, you can gently help your baby to roll over and learn how to move around independently for the first time ever.

Lay your baby on the floor daily while on his belly for tummy time. This is a way for your baby to become comfortable with using his neck muscles to keep his head up. Make tummy time entertaining so your baby associates positive feelings with the position of being on his tummy.

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Place a blanket on the floor and place your baby on top with the left side of her body on the left edge of the blanket. Allow her to become comfortable with her new position and make sure that she can hold her head up for a few seconds at a time. If she can't, she's likely not ready to roll over.

Position a rattle or toy just out of your baby's reach, suggests The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation 3. Shake it and play with it before putting it on the floor. Watch to see if your baby tries to reach for the toy from his position on his belly. He may stick his arm out and become uncomfortable with the new position.

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Gather the right side of the blanket in your hand. As your baby reaches for the toy, lift the edge of the blanket so your baby's right side is slightly lifted in the air with the blanket securely underneath her. Lift her right side no more than an inch to start. Gauge her reaction to the new position; if she becomes upset, gently lower the side and console her. You want to make sure that rolling over is a pleasant experience for your baby.

Lift the edge of the blanket carefully, cradling her body. Place one hand on her belly, and as you lift the edge of the blanket, use your hand to steady her position. Lift the blanket high enough to roll her onto her back -- still keeping your hand securely on her belly. Make sure that the toy is well within reach and she's able to realize that rolling over allowed her to move. Add the blanket roll to her tummy time each day until she becomes comfortable with rolling over on her own.

Tips

Some babies don't enjoy tummy time; if your baby fusses and cries, don't force it. Wait until your baby is relaxed and happy so to make it the best experience possible.