Q&A Forum

8/6/21

Renee

On your website, it states that safe sleeping bags can be used to prevent babies from rolling in their sleep. Which sleeping bags would you recommend? Also, what age is a baby likely to roll over? My baby is 8 weeks old, and has for some time been able to roll onto his side, but no further yet. When a baby is able to roll over but only to one side, and not back, what is the best sleeping suit to use? Are tucked in blankets are good preventative measure to stop baby from rolling?

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Posted a response on 8/6/21

Red Nose Education

It is normal for babies to learn to roll, & many will prefer to sleep on their side or tummy.
What type of sleeping bag are you using? Does he have his arms out (sleeping bag) or arms in (swaddle suit)?
Red Nose does not recommend specific brand of sleeping bag, but one that fits well with appropriate size neck & arm holes.
Some babies tend to delay rolling when in a sleeping bag, but they will still be able to roll.
A safe baby sleeping bag is constructed in such a way that the baby cannot slip inside the bag and become completely covered.

The sleeping bag should be the correct size for the baby with a fitted neck, armholes (or sleeves) and no hood.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-is-a-safe-sleeping-bag

Rolling is not something that needs to be stopped. It is important to make his new environment as safe as possible.
Blankets, tucked in tightly, may make it harder for baby to roll, but won’t prevent it.

Most parents will use a safe sleeping bag & add an extra layer of clothing in cooler weather, rather than persist with blankets when baby is rolling.

Red Nose recommends that you cease wrapping & move to a cot once baby is attempting to roll.

While this is generally between the ages of 4-5 mths, many babies roll before that & some later.
How does he go with tummy time when awake?

Most babies begin to show sign of being able to roll from about four months of age. Some babies begin rolling onto their tummy earlier than this, and some not until later. This is perfectly normal, as babies develop differently.

It’s essential to stop wrapping as soon as baby starts showing signs that they can begin to roll, usually between 4-6 months. If you wrap baby, consider baby’s stage of development. Leave arms free once the startle reflex disappears around 3 months.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over

Also, ensure that the cot mattress is firm & flat & there is nothing soft or loose in the cot,
Always continue to place baby on back to sleep.
Increasing tummy time when awake.

Red Nose has the following information now that your baby is starting to roll.

If you are using a bassinette, it is time to transfer baby into a cot as soon as they first show signs of being able to roll.
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.
By this stage it is not necessary to wake during the night to turn baby over to the back position

Do not use any devices designed to keep baby in a particular sleep position.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over

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