New parents often find themselves focused on their baby’s motor skills, particularly the ability to move independently. A “newborn” typically refers to an infant from birth up to the first four weeks of life. During this initial phase, a baby’s movements are largely reflexive, not purposeful. Understanding the difference between these reflexive actions and true intentional movement helps set appropriate expectations for development. The emergence of motor control, such as a baby’s first roll, is a significant milestone.
The Immediate Answer: Newborns and Side Turning
Newborns generally lack the necessary muscular control in their neck and torso to intentionally turn their body to the side. Their movements are dominated by primitive reflexes and a flexed, tucked posture from their time in the womb. While a newborn’s head can turn side-to-side, the ability to lift and hold the head steadily is not yet developed.
Sometimes, a young baby may appear to “flop” or accidentally roll onto their side, often due to being positioned in a curled shape or an uneven surface. This movement is a consequence of gravity and their reflexive posture, not a demonstration of deliberate muscle strength or control. Within the first month, many babies lose this early ability to roll to the side due to neurological development. True, intentional side-turning and rolling requires significant development of the neck, shoulder, and core muscles, which occurs later.
Understanding the Intentional Rolling Milestone
Intentional rolling is a landmark motor skill that develops as an infant gains strength and coordination. This skill typically begins to emerge around four months of age, though some babies may start showing signs slightly earlier. The process usually follows a specific sequence, demonstrating the gradual acquisition of muscle control.
Infants most often achieve the ability to roll from their stomach to their back first, sometimes accidentally during a mini push-up during Tummy Time. This initial roll is slightly easier because it requires less complex coordination than the reverse movement. The ability to roll from back to stomach, which demands greater abdominal and upper-body strength, is usually mastered a few weeks later, commonly between five and seven months old. By around six months, most infants can roll confidently in both directions.
Safety Implications for Sleep
The most important safety guideline for all infants under one year of age is to always place them on their back for every single sleep, whether it is a nap or nighttime sleep. This supine position has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Placing a baby on their side is not recommended because it increases the likelihood of them rolling onto their stomach, which is a less safe sleep position.
The sleep surface must be firm and flat, covered only by a fitted sheet, with no loose bedding, pillows, soft toys, or bumper pads present. If an infant falls asleep in a car seat, swing, or carrier, they should be moved to a safe, firm sleep space as soon as possible. Once a baby can intentionally roll from back to stomach and stomach to back, which typically happens around six months, they can be left in the position they choose after being initially placed on their back.
Building Strength Through Tummy Time
Tummy Time is a practical activity that helps infants build the muscle strength necessary for future motor milestones like rolling and sitting. This supervised, awake time spent on the stomach strengthens the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. These muscles are essential for lifting the head and pushing up, which are precursors to rolling over.
Tummy Time can be introduced as early as the first few days after birth, starting with very short sessions of three to five minutes, two or three times a day. Parents can place the baby on their chest or lap initially if the floor is too challenging. The goal is to gradually increase the duration until the baby is getting 15 to 30 total minutes of Tummy Time daily by about two months of age. Providing a variety of short sessions helps prevent the baby from becoming overly fatigued or frustrated.