Q&A Forum

10/6/25

Tayne

Hi, my 12 week old has accidentally rolled from tummy to back several times. Is this considered ‘signs of rolling’ and is it time to stop using his love to dream swaddle? I am worried he might roll back to tummy for the first time whilst sleeping and not be able to hold his face off the mattress for long. I have tried a tight blanket as we are in a cold climate but I can’t keep the blanket tight - it just comes loose. It can’t come up over his face as it is chest height but the sides come loose. Is an arms out sleeping bag the safest option? What if he rolls over and gets stuck face down? And is there a way to support his startle reflex with arms out?

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Posted a response on 10/6/25

Red Nose Education

Red Nose recommendations are to “always place baby on back for sleep” not baby must always sleep on their back.
https://rednose.org.au/article/red-nose-safe-sleeping-recommendations

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 the “new” environment as safe as possible.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over

It is not uncommon for babies of 3mths to be showing signs of rolling.
Has he done this when doing tummy time while awake?

Red Nose recommends to cease swaddling/wrapping (including use of a swaddle suit like love to dream)  & move to a cot when rolling. Is he still in a bassinet?
Babies need arms free & the space of a cot to roll well & safely.
Ensure mattress is firm & flat & nothing soft or loose in his cot.
Continue to always place your baby on back for sleep.

How does he go with tummy time when awake?
Increasing tummy time when awake is important to build upper body strength to roll well (both ways)

Red Nose does not recommend using a tight blanket as a form of restraining him to prevent rolling.
Blankets are ok to use but if he is kicking it loose, then its preferable not to use.
A safe sleeping bag with appropriate size neck & armhole (or sleeves) & no hood can be used. You can add an extra layer (or 2)on baby as the weather is colder.
https://rednose.org.au/article/how-much-bedding-does-baby-need

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