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As your little one reaches new developmental milestones, you may find yourself facing new challenges in the realm of baby sleep. One common concern for parents is when their baby starts rolling onto their stomach during sleep but is unable to roll back—I was personally not prepared for this when it happened with my first born and had no clue what to do! In this post, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behavior and, most importantly, practical tips on how to navigate this phase safely.

Baby developmental milestones

Around the age of 4 to 6 months, many babies begin to master the art of rolling over. While this is a positive sign of their improving gross motor skills, it can pose a dilemma for parents when their baby ends up being on their stomach during sleep. We’re told very clearly by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that the safest sleeping position for babies is on their back to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so this particular development can be a concern for parents who want to ensure safe sleep for their little one.

Rolling is a natural part of baby’s development as they learn to explore their surroundings and develop coordination. Once a baby can roll, it’s not uncommon for them to end up in different positions during sleep, including on their stomach. This can create safety concerns or result in discomfort if you do not take the proper precautions in tandem with this new development. Ironically, some babies who learn to roll on their stomachs become very frustrated if they are unable to roll back onto their backs—this happened with two of my babies, and it disrupted their sleep temporarily until they learned to roll both ways consistently. There’s really no safe way to stop a baby from rolling once they’ve started, especially during sleep, so it’s best to take this new development in stride and follow the tips below.

what to do if your baby rolls onto their stomach while sleeping but can’t roll back

1. Ensure A Safe Sleep Environment

   The single #1 most important step for you to take once your baby can roll over onto their stomach, especially if they cannot yet roll back over, is to ensure they are in a safe sleep environment. Whereas some parents of tiny newborns like to leave things like folded blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, or other loose items in the corners or sides of baby’s crib, once baby can roll over, every single item needs to come out to ensure baby’s safety. Baby’s ability to roll at this point is likely still somewhat uncoordinated and may involve some scooting, which means they could end up virtually anywhere within their crib or bassinet—even crammed up against a side or corner. Baby’s mattress should be firm with a tightly fitted sheet, and all other items should be removed to reduce the risk of suffocation.

2. Ditch the Swaddle - Use A Wearable Blanket Instead

   Once baby can roll over, it’s definitely time to ditch the swaddle if you haven’t already. There are three reasons main reasons for this: safety, reducing discomfort, and enabling the inevitable (baby eventually learning to roll from stomach to back). Once baby can roll and the swaddle days are over, my personal preference is to transition to a wearable blanket / sleep sack, which can be used instead of a swaddle to keep baby comfortable while sleeping. I wrote a whole separate article on my favorite sleep sacks, how to choose the right one for you, and how to dress baby underneath, so be sure to check it out.

3. Encourage Tummy Time

   This is a great time to double-down on frequent tummy time with your little one. You should encourage tummy time during awake hours to strengthen their neck and upper body muscles, which will make it easy for your baby to learn to roll back over. This will help both with discomfort (babies can get frustrated if they want to roll to their back but cannot) and also with safety (babies are more likely to be able to avoid breathing difficulties if they have the head and neck strength to do so).

4. Rolling Practice During Playtime

   You can practice rolling both ways during playtime with your baby. My favorite way to do this is to get down on the floor or play mat with my baby and place them on either their back or stomach. I then position myself such that they need to roll in order to fully see me. I use encouraging words and provide a little bit of help so that they get a feel for the motion of rolling. With some practice, baby can gain the strength and confidence to roll both ways.

5. Continue To Position Baby On Their Back For Sleep

   Even if a baby can roll onto their stomach, the AAP recommends continuing to place their baby on their back in their crib or bassinet when going to sleep. If baby rolls over on their own, it is typically acceptable to leave them in that position as long as the sleep environment is completely safe.

Conclusion

Navigating the transition when your baby starts rolling onto their stomach during sleep can be both challenging and worrisome. By creating a safe sleep environment, encouraging tummy time, and practicing rolling, you can help your little one through this developmental milestone safely. Of course, if you have any specific concerns about your baby, always consult your pediatrician for personalized medical advice.

Sweet dreams to your precious little one!