Why Does My Baby Only Roll One Way?!
“My baby is just starting to roll, but I’m noticing it’s only in one direction? Is that okay? How can I encourage the other?”
ANSWER- First, please know that is absolutely okay (and a normal part of the learning process!). Think of it this way…when a little one is learning a skill (aka when a skill is considered EMERGING), they basically HAVE to figure it out one way first. As they repeat, repeat, repeat that skill, it progresses towards being a MASTERED skill. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks, and is when the previously emerging skill being practiced to one side starts to transition into being present on both sides.
To break emerging vs. mastered down even more, I look for these characteristics:
First - let’s talk about developmental “timelines”. For example, when I say I’d like to see rolling by 6 months (though the range for belly to back is 3-5 months, and back to belly is 4-6 months), it means that by the end of the sixth month, I’d want to see rolling back to belly be at least an EMERGING skill.
In regards to when NOT seeing a skill is a concern, I like to follow the two month rule. Meaning if I’m expecting a skill like back to belly rolling by 6 months, if by 8 months I’m not seeing strong signs it’s coming, I’d want to be following up on that.
So what do I mean when I say EMERGING vs. MASTERED….
Think of these 3 things:
Is it a CONSISTENT skill?
Is it INTENTIONAL and PURPOSEFULLY done?
Is it happening to BOTH sides equally?
If the answer to all 3 is yes, I’d say it’s MASTERED! Meaning they can consistently and intentionally execute the skill to get something they want. For example: If they want that toy, they roll over to grab it. Or they want to crawl to something they want, so they pop right up into hands and knees and crawl to it.
If the answer to any of those is no, I’d consider it an EMERGING skill. You might see it happen every once in awhile, maybe it happens and then stops, maybe it seems unintentional at first (REALLY common with belly to back rolling!), or maybe they’re only doing it in one direction (again, while this is normal, the other side SHOULD catch up within 2-3 weeks at most to give us that symmetry we are looking for!).
So, how long does it take for a skill to go from emerging to mastered? it honestly varies! Sometimes it’s a few days, sometimes a few weeks, sometimes a month! As long as you’re seeing PROGRESS and consistent PRACTICE - chalk it up to a win and try to enjoy watching them figure it all out!
Here’s What To Do If Your Baby Only Rolls One Way
Now…does this mean you just have to wait it out and hope the other side catches up? Of course not, I hope you know me better than that, LOL!
Whether you prefer to take more of a hands off approach, to be hands on working through milestones with your little, or somewhere in between- this is where environment set up & purposeful play can be SO powerful!
When it comes to rolling, one of my favorite things to do during this emerging period to encourage both sides equally is to pull in some sidelying play with intentional toy placement upwards & on a diagonal (see pic for reference!).
For example, if they’re only rolling back to belly over the right arm, try building some left sidelying play into floor time with a motivating toy placed slightly above their eye level and on a diagonal. You can even slowly move the toy in an arc motion (link to IG post showing?) to encourage them to complete the roll, assisting if necessary. As it gets easier for them to complete the roll while in sidelying (a smaller range of motion than the full back to belly roll), you can allow them to do more of the work through a larger range of motion by bringing them closer and closer to being flat on their back using a small blanket or towel roll behind them.
When it comes to sidelying, the big considerations for positioning are:
A firm surface behind them to stop them from arching/extending and getting to a laying on their back position. This can be your leg, a towel or blanket roll, a boppy, even a piece of furniture!
Try to place them fully on their side with their TOP leg dropped forward over their BOTTOM leg. This helps reduce arching & extending as well.
Toy placement AT or slightly ABOVE eye level to encourage them to engage their flexor muscles on the front of their body.
BOTTOM arm at shoulder height or ABOVE shoulder height, which is the ideal arm position to allow a roll to happen without their arm getting stuck!
Again, please know it is absolutely normal to see an emerging skill being practiced to one side more than the other, but the other will catch up soon - and these tips will definitely help in the interim! Happy Rolling!
Looking for More Milestone Support?
If you’re ready to master your little one’s milestones with confidence and FUN, all from the comfort of your home, you’re in the right place! Just click the link below to join my FREE virtual training - all about Mastering Milestones With Confidence. I can’t wait to see you there ❤
Was this helpful? Save it for later!
