When will my baby start rolling?

Babies often start rolling between 5 and 7 months of age, and it’s one of the first steps to your baby becoming mobile. Giving your baby time on their tummy helps build neck, arm, and upper body strength.  Pop some toys on the floor, just out of your baby’s reach, to help them practice stretching and reaching. Give them lots of encouragement to build confidence. 

As you navigate this milestone together, here are some everyday tips to talk, read, sing and play with your baby. 
 
Talk: build your baby’s confidence with lots of praise and encouragement. Talk out loud about what they are doing or how they are feeling. Phrases like ‘You are holding the blue car’ or ‘I can see you are tired’ help connect words to objects and feelings. 
 
Read: the eye and hand movements your baby makes as you read together are part of the conversation. Notice and respond to what your little one looks at or points to. Name what you see and make sounds together: ‘that’s a big brown cow, mooooo!’ You will help your baby learn about words and what they mean. It’s never too early to start sharing stories! 

Sing: routines help babies feel safe and secure and singing is an easy way to establish daily routines while supporting language development. Try singing the same song each time you change your little one's nappy or give them a bath. 
 
Play: enjoy tummy time with your baby. Let them explore your face by grabbing your hair, nose and ears. As they do, name the different parts. Point to your little one's ears, nose and mouth while saying the words aloud. 

For more tips to match your baby’s age and stage, sign up to our free eNews and go into the draw to win all 12 stories for little Queenslanders  
 
At First 5 Forever, we’re all about connection. Here are some helpful links to connect you to expert voice and resources to support your family through the early years: 

Raising Children Network  

Play Matters 

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program 

Family and Child Connect 

Pregnancy Birth and Baby