My 4 month old (I can't believe it has been four months already!) started rolling over in her crib. She rolls onto her stomach but hasn't figured out how to roll back and it really scares her. She hardly ever cries so I know when she does it because she starts to cry. So when I go in there I show her how to roll back over on her back but so far she hasn't been able to do that part on her own. Sometimes she'll do it 4 or 5 times before she finally falls asleep. What should I do?
Do you practice tummy time with her? I'm wondering if she would enjoy being on her tummy if you include it as part of her play time.
T.
Unfortunately I think this is one thing you'll just have to have a "this too will pass" attitude on. My DD did the same thing, except it was a little easier as she could roll from her front to her back (like during tummy time) easily, but took a few months more to learn to roll the other way. its just part of their normal development. annoying (as it disrupts sleep... hers and yours), but necessary.
My son learned to roll over on his 3 month birthday. Sometimes he would roll before I even got him zipped up in his sleep sack. When he first learned, he would cry, and wake himself up in the middle of the night and cry. The first few times I would go in and put him back on his back, but the crying would happen when he rolled over again. I don't know how you feel about crying it out, but that is what we had to do. It took about 2-3 nights. FYI, this did happen again during most developmental milestones...when he could roll the other way, when he could sit up, when he learned to stand. Just make sure that he doesn't have anything loose in there with him, and if he lifts his head well, even better.
Good luck on going back to work. You are blessed to have gotten 4 months! It is hard, but you can do it.
My son did the same thing, rolled at 3.5 months and then practiced rolling in his sleep. Like most of the moms have said, the crying only lasts a few days, but expect the sleep disruption with every new skill she learns.
What worked best for us, and also what we felt the most comfortable with, becasue at 4 months babies are still at the height of SIDS risk, was what my Pediatrician called "Wedging" our baby into place at nap and bedtime. A couple of rolled up receiving blankets work great, we mostly used a sleep positioner because our son was also very good at wiggeling. We put our son, on his side and wedged him into place and he slept great. Your baby will get plenty of rolling practice and tummy time during the day.
Babies are constantly learning. This bit of learning doesn't take a long time. She'll be a pro before you know it.
put her on her tummy every morning to play. she will learn to roll to her back soon, if she is given lots of opportunities. she may also get more comfortable with being on her tummy.
This is part of the learning process, but if you want to avoid it at bedtime/naptime you can try rolling up receiving blankets and putting one on each side of her. This can help keep her from rolling over and allow for better sleep. Just be sure to roll them tightly and push them against her sides. Good luck!
Have a GREAT day!
S.
For when you are putting her to bed you can prop her with a rolled burp cloth. You do not want a whole lot of bulky blankets for her to get tangled in. Just make sure she has time to practice rolling while she is awake. It will take a little longer to roll the other direction.
S. Broadbent
Mother to Kai (18 months)
www.homewithkai.com
Hi there. My dd did pretty much the same thing around 4 or 5 months. For a few nights she literally was up crying every 30 to 45 mins, and all we could do was sit and rock her. Being a first time mom it took a day or two for me to realize that it was because she was learning to roll. So first give yourself kudos for recognizing what it is. Then just do LOTS of tummy time during the day, if your working try it during weekend & evening. I found laying on my back with her on my stomach (her laying on my tummy) was a good playtime tummy time thing. I also used a boppy pillow & then when she was comfortable being on her tummy, lots of tummy time on just a blanket on the floor.
Unfortunately at every NEW thing they learn it will disrupt their sleep. Its like practice or something. Your daughter will most likely do something similar to this when she learns to sit up, and when she learns to crawl, and again when she learns to stand up. Good luck to you!
