Sam
Hello, My 10 week old has recently started rolling from back to belly, we think due to being uncomfortable with gas and bringing her knees to chest which then rolls her. She also likes sleeping on her side. Her bassinet is quite large with lots of room for her to roll around and the sides are mesh so when she does end up on the side of it there is a lower chance of re-breathing and suffocation. She sleeps in a sleeping bag and I have taken her arms out however her head control is obviously not strong enough at this age to keep her face up and she cannot roll from belly to back. Is there anything else I can do to make her sleep environment safer? We are implementing more tummy time. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do!
Red Nose Education
Most babies will be rolling over by 4- 5 months. Some earlier, some later.
This is very normal as babies grow & become stronger.
Many babies then prefer to sleep on their side or tummy.
This is not something that needs to be stopped. It is important to make her new environment as safe as possible.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over
Babies need their arms free & the space of a cot to roll well.
I think it would be important to move her to the cot now.
Is the cot mattress firm & flat?
How does she go with tummy time when awake? Is she holding her head well &/or reaching for toys?
Good that you are increasing tummy time.
What happens when you roll her back?
Does she roll/wriggle around the cot (or floor) when awake?
Always still place her on her back for sleep.
Have a read of the Red Nose information now that she is rolling .
“Give baby extra tummy time to play when awake and supervised as this helps baby to develop stronger neck and upper body muscles which in turn enables them to roll back over.
Make sure that baby is on a firm and well-fitting mattress that is flat (not tilted or elevated).
Make sure that baby’s face and head remains uncovered (do not use lambswool, doonas, pillows, cot bumpers or soft toys)
As babies grow and develop, they become very active and learn to roll around the cot.
At this time, continue to put them on the back at the start of sleep time, but let them find their own position of comfort”
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over