Andrew
My five month old is rolling back to tummy (only right to left) but can’t roll back . At sleep times he rolls into his front to sleep - your website has conflicting information about whether because he can only roll back to front whether it is okay for him to stay sleeping on his front after rolling onto his front. Can I please clarify what is recommended?
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
Is your baby sleeping is a cot or still in a bassinet & have you ceased swaddling/wrapping him?
Babies need their arms free & the space of a cot to roll well & confidently.
Ensure mattress in the cot is firm & flat & that there is no loose or soft bedding.
How does he go with tummy time when awake?
Is he holding his head up & reaching for toys?
Increasing tummy time when awake is important to build upper body strength to roll well (both ways)
Is he rolling from tummy to back during tummy time, holding his head well &/or reaching for toys?
Parents are not expected to sit up all night observing baby. This is not achievable.
However, if you are awake & see him on his tummy, then gently roll him back to his back.
What happens if you gently roll him back when you see him sleeping on her tummy?