What to Do If Baby Is Rolling Over in Sleep

Watching your little one become more mobile is an exciting prospect! Rolling is a major milestone and shows that they are well on the way to crawling; a fundamental part of their physical and mental development. However, rolling over in sleep is a worry for many parents. Providing the right precautions are in place, it’s actually considered safe for your little one to do so in their crib during nap or night time. Here at Nini Baby, we wanted to take a closer look, so you don’t have to lose any sleep over your little one rolling.

Why Do Babies Roll?

As baby grows, naturally, their body’s gets stronger. Little ones begin rolling as they gain strength in the main muscle groups. As they learn that they have control over how their body moves, they will try it more and more. Each baby is different; but rolling usually starts between the ages of 4-6 months and is a sign of healthy development.

Once your little one can roll, it does mean that rolling over in sleep is a possibility. Just like us, babies like to be comfortable when they sleep. Rolling over is part of finding that sweet spot!

Is It Safe?

Now, this is where precautions and proactiveness come into play. Your baby should always be laid on their back to go to sleep, but it is okay if they don’t stay that way. If your child manages to navigate naturally into a position they find comfortable after being placed to sleep on their back, most doctors would allow them to remain in that position to sleep.

However, it is not recommended to place your child to sleep on their stomach or side. The recommendations are that for the first year of life, babies should only be placed on their back to fall asleep. This is the safest position for them to drift off in. 

Once your little one is able to roll, they’ll only start to move about more. So, it’s extremely important to keep their sleeping space free of pillows, blankets, toys or any other suffocation hazards. The entire sleeping space should be free of any risk. Additionally, never use weighted blankets or other sleep aids to comfort your little one in the crib.

If Baby Rolls onto Their Tummy in Sleep, Do I Need to Turn Them Back Again?

No. If your baby is rolling over in sleep on their own, you do not need to turn them over onto their back. The most important factor is that your baby begins each sleep time on their back. In fact, experts advise against constantly flipping baby onto their back mid-sleep as it poses more risk than waiting for baby to turn themselves naturally.

Safer Sleep with NiniPod

If you’re worried about your babyrolling over in sleep, don’t be. As long as you are taking the correct precautions, it’s natural for baby to roll from time to time. Having a safe and spacious crib is the first step.

NiniPod can aid safer sleep for babies. The accompanying flat Nini Spacer Mattress fits snugly to the base of the crib, meaning that little one will not slide after the pod has been adjusted. It’s fully breathable and no mattress cover is required, which encourages less material in the crib. If baby was to roll over in their sleep, they would be completely comfortable and able to breathe clearly.

With increased airflow compared to other cribs, NiniPod can help to regulate baby’s temperature and create a safe space for a restful night’s sleep. The mesh screens all around promote unparalleled breathability and also allow you to keep your baby in sight at all times.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to join the better sleep movement and learn a little more about Nini Baby products, then we’d love to hear from you! Follow our journey @ninibabyuk, or feel free to contact us with any questions here!