6 Mos Baby Won't Roll Over

Updated on January 18, 2008
C.F. asks from Los Angeles, CA
9 answers

Hi everyone!

My son, who is 6 months, won't roll over on his own. I put him on tummy time and all he does is look around for a bit before he decides to fuss and gives up. He doesn't even try that hard to roll onto his back. Sometimes, he'll just belt out a huge crying fest and I pick him up because I don't want him to hate his tummy time. He has really good neck control, head control, strong arms and legs. He can stay seated when I put him down to play with his toys. He can turn to his side when there is a toy out of reach or when he wants to look at something/someone near his head. He just can't roll over, though it doesn't even seem like he tries.

Has anyone else went through this as well? His doctor say that it's nothing to worry about, but the books say he should have learned how to roll over since 4 months. It's difficult not to worry.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice! My son finally rolled over without fuss nor assistance. We're really proud of him and I can tell that he's really proud of himself.

Featured Answers

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

C., I have 4 children, 6,4,2 and 6 months. None have rolled over "on time", but they all have talked early. Please trust me, don't worry!! He will roll over and more soon enough. Enjoy each day ! Blessings, K.

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H.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm pretty sure the average age for rolling is 6 months. That means some sooner some later. But like everyone else has said he'll do it when he wants to.

Although I did get my oldest to finally roll over at 6 months by holding a brownie slightly out of reach. Maybe he has a sweet tooth that can move him into motivation.

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P.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi. I have a 26 month-old and a 13 month-old. My 26 month-old has hit milestones much sooner than my 13 month-old...for example...in utero she kicked sooner, as a baby she rolled over sooner and walked much sooner (still waiting for my 13 month-old to walk). I think kids will do things at their own pace. Try not to compare them to books or other kids. If there is a real problem the pediatrician will let you know. Also, follow your intuition. :0)

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B.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a son who is 5 who also didn't roll over on time. Actually, he didn't crawl either, which was a big concern for us. Then around 8 or 9 months he suddenly pulled himself to a standing position and walked holding on, and by 1 he was walking on his own. He just skipped those other activities. He also would scream and fuss when I put him down for tummy time. He wouldn't even try to push up.

Have you tried putting your son on a boppy for tummy time? Prop his chest on a boppy and put some toys on the floor in front of the boppy. That's what I did with Gabriel, and he seemed to tolerate that better than being flat on the floor.

I agree with the other moms that it's so normal for most kids to not hit those "milestone" timelines. Every child is different. Our 20-month-old has hit every one of those milestones early, yet he can't do a shape sorter the way his brother could at that age. Clearly they each have their own path.

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J.C.

answers from San Diego on

I have a 5 month old girl, and she will not roll over either. When I put her on tummy time she just pushes up and stays in one spot for a few minutes then starts to cry. My Dr. told me not to worry about it either. She too had reached other important milestones, so I am not too concerned yet. All babies grow at different paces, so try not to worry.
Good luck.

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

if you are concerned get your pediatrician to give you a referral to the regional center. (you may not even need a referral). This is a free service provided for families. My 4 months old is enrolled, and they come to my house twice a week for therapy. There is one in every county, and they come to you which is fantastic. They will come and look at your baby, oh and ah over him then let you know if you quolifies for their service. They are really nice, and its fun to do the therapy with them.

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J.R.

answers from San Diego on

The range of 'normal' for developmental milestones is very wide. I had a friend whose son was just content to let others do for him. He didn't roll over until 8 months and he's an honor student who plays football and track now. Your baby's personality always comes into play but if you are really concerned I would do as one woman said and contact the Regional Center or ask your doctor to a referral to Physical Therapist to get another opinion. Good luck!

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A.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Don't worry about it. My son is 7 1/2 mos and wasn't rolling over yet at 6 mos. He hated tummy time so I almost never did it b/c like your son, he also had great head and neck control. His Dr. told me not to worry b/c he is such a big baby and the bigger they are, the harder it is for them to roll over. He also said the books should be updated b/c they used to roll over by 4 mos before the SIDS scare when they would still sleep on their stomach. About a week before he turned 7 mos, he started rolling over and loved it so much he would just log roll around the living room floor. Now he won't stay still and I sometimes miss those days where I could lay him down and walk away.

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J.T.

answers from San Diego on

Another mom mentioned the Regional Center...you do not need to have your pediatrician give you a referral. You can call them yourself and they will come and do a free developmental evaluation of your son in your home. If they feel that he is entitled to any services, they will coordinate those for you for free. Definitely something worth considering! My daugther was a late crawler/walker and caught up on her own, but it was nice to have her evaluated just for peace of mind...

###-###-#### is their intake number.

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