Baby Ready to Roll

This month, your baby may roll over for the first time-his first milestone on the path to mobility. Babies usually learn how to roll from their stomachs onto their backs first. A few weeks later, they figure out how to reverse the process and go from their backs onto their stomachs.

As soon as your baby starts attempting to roll over, don't leave him unattended in the middle of your bed or on any other elevated surface, even for a minute. And, of course, take extra care whenever he's on the changing table.

This newfound ability to roll affords your baby much greater opportunity to entertain herself. By rolling over, she can change her view of her surroundings, watch her feet and hands, and generally exercise her body in new ways.

If there's no sign of progress in the rolling department, don't be concerned. The great event can take place anywhere from 2 to 6 months of age, depending on her constitution and temperament. Few babies develop at a uniform rate in all areas-one might be quick to babble but slow to sit up, for example. And rest assured that the rate at which motor skills develop (especially large motor skills) is not related to intelligence. However, if your baby seems slow to develop in several areas and you are becoming concerned, you may want to have a conversation with your pediatrician about it.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.