How To Keep Baby From Rolling Over In Crib

Placing your baby on their back to sleep reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ensures a safer sleep environment for newborns. Keeping a baby from rolling over in the crib involves proactive measures to promote safe sleep habits.

It’s important to keep your baby sleeping on their back until they can roll over and back on their own, usually between 4 and 6 months. Implementing safe sleep practices and supportive sleep items can help create a safer sleep environment for your little one.

Why Do Babies Start Rolling Over in Crib?

Babies begin rolling over in their cribs as a part of their natural developmental milestones. Typically, this skill emerges between 4 and 6 months when their muscles strengthen, granting them the ability to maneuver and explore movements.

Babies usually learn how to roll over during guided tummy time, when they build the strength and coordination they need. As they feel better about their physical skills, they might try to do the same while sleeping. Rolling over is a positive indication of a baby’s growth and motor skills development, signifying their advancing physical capabilities.

However, this developmental milestone can present new challenges, especially during sleep, as babies may inadvertently roll onto their stomachs, posing a potential risk if they cannot roll back. To keep them safe during this exploratory stage of growth, it’s important to keep safe sleep habits and watch over their sleep environment.

How Long Does The Rolling in Crib Phase Last?

The duration of the rolling phase in the crib can vary widely among babies. Most babies start this stage between 4 and 6 months when they start to get strong enough and coordinate enough to roll over.

The duration of this phase varies based on individual development and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Some babies learn to roll over and back on their own very fast in just a few weeks. Others may need more time to get better at this skill. 

As babies continue to strengthen their muscles and fine-tune their motor skills, they gradually become more proficient at rolling and may eventually stop rolling during sleep altogether. It’s important to remember that every baby grows and changes at their own pace.

The length of this time depends on things like their physical development, their desire to explore, and how they sleep. Parents should remain vigilant and maintain safe sleep practices, even as their baby becomes more adept at rolling, to ensure a secure sleep environment throughout this developmental milestone.

Potential Dangers of Rolling Over in Cribs

Suffocation Risk

When babies begin rolling over during sleep, there’s a risk they might accidentally position themselves in a way that obstructs their breathing. This risk heightens if they cannot roll back onto their back, potentially leading to suffocation or compromised airflow.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The recommended sleep position to reduce SIDS risk is placing babies on their backs. The risk increases when they roll onto their stomach, especially if they aren’t good at rolling back yet. This could make them less safe while they sleep.

Sleep Regression

Learning new skills, like rolling over, can disrupt a baby’s sleep pattern. They might wake up more often or have trouble falling back asleep after rolling over because they are excited and have new skills. This could cause sleep problems for both the baby and the parents.

Increased Anxiety

Parents might experience heightened worry and vigilance as their baby starts rolling over, prompting them to check more frequently during the night. This extra worry can make it hard for parents to sleep and add to their stress.

Need for Monitoring

As babies begin to roll, parents may check more often during sleep to ensure their baby hasn’t shifted into an unsafe position, leading to fragmented sleep for both baby and parents.

Transition Challenges

When a baby starts rolling over, it signifies a transitional stage. To keep the baby safe and comfortable, sleep habits or the sleep environment may need to be changed.

What If My Baby Started Rolling and Would Not Sleep?

If your baby has started rolling over and their sleep habits are being thrown off, you should ensure they are safe. Once they can roll independently, they are generally safe to sleep in whatever position they choose.

However, if they’re struggling to settle, you can try gently guiding them back onto their back when you put them down to sleep. It’s important to ensure they have a safe place to sleep, like a firm mattress and no loose bedding or items. 

Additionally, consider creating a soothing bedtime routine to help your baby relax before sleep. If your baby consistently has trouble settling or their sleep is consistently disrupted, consulting with a pediatrician can provide further guidance and ensure there are no underlying issues impacting their sleep patterns.

Always keep in mind that every baby is different. Being patient and making sure your baby feels safe and secure can help them get used to rolling over and settle into a better sleep habit.

5 Ways on How To Keep Baby From Rolling Over in Crib

Swaddle Technique

Wrapping your baby snugly in a swaddle can limit their ability to roll over during sleep by providing a secure feeling akin to being held. If your baby starts to try to roll over, you should stop wrapping them right away so they don’t roll onto their stomach while they’re still swaddled, which could make it hard for them to breathe.

Safe Sleep Positioners

Sleep positioners or wedges designed for infant sleep can help maintain a baby’s position during sleep, minimizing the chance of rolling over. To avoid the chance of suffocation or getting stuck, choose products that meet safety standards.

Firm Mattress and Fitted Sheets

A firm mattress fitted snugly in the crib, along with tightly secured fitted sheets, reduces the possibility of loose bedding that could create a rolling hazard. Making sure the sleep surface in the crib is smooth and free of holes also lowers the risk of rolling over by accident.

Transition to Sleep Sacks

As babies outgrow swaddles, transitioning to sleep sacks or wearable blankets provides warmth while allowing more freedom of movement. This transition phase keeps you comfortable while lowering the chance of limiting your movement. This lowers the risk of rolling over by mistake.

Supervised Tummy Time

Regular tummy time sessions during the day promote the development of neck and core muscles. By making these muscles stronger, babies can roll over and back on purpose, which gives them more control and makes it less likely that they will roll over while they sleep.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, as your baby reaches the milestone of rolling over, it’s crucial to prioritize their safety during sleep while supporting their developmental progress. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is less likely to happen if you always put your baby to sleep on their back.

Some things, like wrapping or sleep positioners, can stop your baby from rolling over for a short time, but you should stop using these methods as soon as your baby starts to try to roll over. 

Creating a safe sleep environment with a firm mattress, fitted sheets, and supervised tummy time during awake hours fosters a secure setting for your baby’s sleep. As they grow and gain more control over their movements, allowing them the freedom to explore their newfound abilities in a safe sleep environment remains key.

Remember, each baby’s development journey is unique, so staying attuned to your baby’s cues and adjusting sleep practices will ensure their safety and comfort as they navigate this exciting growth phase.