My Baby Isn't Rolling Over
The short answer
Most babies roll between 4 and 6 months, but some perfectly healthy babies don't roll until later - or skip rolling entirely. If your baby is engaging with you, bearing some weight on their arms during tummy time, and meeting other milestones, this is likely just their own timeline.
By Age
What to expect by age
Rolling is not expected yet. Some newborns accidentally roll from tummy to back because of head weight, but intentional rolling comes later. Focus on short tummy time sessions and let your baby build neck and arm strength at their own pace.
This is when many babies start rolling, usually tummy to back first. But plenty of babies are still working on it, and that's completely fine. You might notice your baby rocking side to side or getting partway over - these are great signs they're building toward it.
Most babies are rolling both ways by now, but if yours isn't, it's worth a conversation with your pediatrician at the next visit - especially if they're also not sitting with support or seem to have low muscle tone. Many babies who are late rollers are simply more interested in other skills.
If your baby still isn't rolling by 8 months and also isn't sitting independently, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor sooner rather than later. Rolling alone isn't everything, but the combination of motor delays is worth evaluating. Many babies who get support at this stage catch up quickly.
Some babies genuinely skip rolling and go straight to sitting and crawling. If your baby is mobile in other ways and meeting other milestones, the skipping itself may be fine. But if there's a pattern of delayed motor skills, an evaluation can help figure out if there's anything to address.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 6 months and making progress with head control and tummy time, even if they haven't rolled yet.
- Your baby rolls one direction but not the other - a preference for one side is very common and usually resolves on its own.
- Your baby was premature - adjusted age is what matters for milestones, not calendar age.
- Your baby seems close to rolling (rocking, getting partway over) but hasn't fully done it yet.
- Your baby skipped rolling but is sitting, scooting, or crawling - some babies just move on to the next thing.
- Your baby is over 6 months and hasn't rolled in either direction, especially if they also have difficulty with tummy time or sitting.
- Your baby seems stiff or very floppy when you hold them - this can affect rolling readiness.
- Your baby consistently favors one side of their body and seems unable (not just unwilling) to use the other side.
- Your baby was meeting milestones on track but seems to have stalled across several areas.
- Your baby has lost the ability to roll after previously doing it consistently - any loss of a previously acquired skill warrants prompt evaluation.
- Your baby seems unable to move one side of their body, or you notice a sudden change in their muscle tone or alertness.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.