It is a moment of joy when your baby starts rolling over while sleeping, as it indicates that they are reaching a new milestone in their development. However, sometimes babies can roll onto their stomachs while sleeping, but have difficulty rolling back. This can be a source of worry for parents.
Baby Rolling Over While Sleeping
Babies start to roll over between four and six months old, but most babies can roll over independently by the time they are seven or eight months old. Rolling over is a motor skill that babies learn as they grow, and it is an important milestone in their physical development. Rolling over is also a sign of increased strength and coordination.
Challenges of Rolling Back
When a baby rolls onto their stomach while sleeping, they may have difficulty rolling back. This can be worrying for parents, as babies can sometimes get stuck in this position. As babies are not able to move their heads to the side to breathe, they can be in danger of suffocating.
To help prevent this, parents can use a sleep positioner or a swaddle wrap to help keep the baby in the desired position. It is also important to ensure that the baby’s mattress is firm, to reduce the risk of the baby sinking into the mattress and becoming stuck.
Rolling over while sleeping is a normal and important milestone in a baby’s development. However, if your baby is having difficulty rolling back, it is important to take steps to ensure their safety. By using a sleep positioner or swaddle wrap and having a firm mattress, parents can help to reduce the risk of their baby becoming stuck in an uncomfortable position.
An alarming phenomenon is occurring in many homes: babies are rolling onto their stomachs while sleeping but lack the head control to roll back, potentially putting them at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
SIDS, a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby suddenly dies in the first year of life, is the leading cause of death for babies between one month and one year of age. Since 1991, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, as babies begin to roll over in their sleep, parents are concerned about the possibility of them rolling onto their stomachs and becoming stuck there.
Studies have found that, while the number of babies who are able to roll completely over is increasing, the number who can roll back is not increasing at an equal rate. This is concerning because babies who cannot roll back may be at higher risk of SIDS. Experts believe that the lack of head control in babies may be a contributing factor as they are unable to reposition themselves out of dangerous situations.
The best way to ensure your baby’s safety is to regularly put them to sleep on their backs. If you notice your baby starting to roll onto their stomach, try strengthening their head control with tummy time during the day. Additionally, you can help your baby to roll back to their back with gentle positioning after you have laid them down at night. You should also consider using a sleep positioner in the crib to help keep your baby on their back.
Finally, if your baby is unable to roll back to their back in the night, consult your pediatrician as soon as possible. While researchers are still trying to understand the connection between SIDS and stomach sleeping, taking the necessary precautions is the best way to help keep your little one safe.