Rolling Over & Restless Nights: Supporting Baby Sleep During This Milestone
Congratulations—your baby is starting to roll!
…. And also, sorry. Becasue while this exciting new skill is a big developmental step, it can feel like it’s wrecked any sleep you worked so hard for almost overnight. One night you’ve got a baby happily snoozing on their back, the next they’re face-planted sideways across the cot looking like a tiny breakdancer and screaming because they can’t work out how to roll back. The rolling milestone is often a short but frustrating phase for many parents, especially when little ones get “stuck” on their tummy or wake more frequently during naps or overnight.
Let’s walk through what’s happening—and more importantly, how to support your baby to feel safe and sleep well while learning.
What’s Actually Going On?
Rolling is a huge developmental leap. Your baby’s body has discovered freedom and their brain is wired to practise—often at the worst possible times. So instead of drifting off peacefully, they’re suddenly:
- Flipping to their tummy and startling themselves awake.
- Getting stuck face-down and protesting loudly about it.
- Waking more at night because their body wants to rehearse this new trick.
It’s not a regression, it’s growth. But wow—it can feel like sleep has gone completely to sh*t in the process.
What the SIDS Guidelines Say
The Red Nose (SIDS) recommendation remains to always place your baby on their back to sleep until 12 months of age. But once your baby can roll independently from back to tummy and tummy to back, the risk of SIDS is considered to decrease significantly.
So what does that mean for sleep?
- You should still place your baby on their back to start sleep.
- But if they roll on their own during sleep, you do not need to roll them back repeatedly—unless they are distressed and unable to return to a comfortable position themselves.
6 Tips to Help Baby Sleep While Learning to Roll
1. Prioritise Safety & Simplicity
Once your baby starts rolling, it’s time to remove anything loose in the cot. That means no blankets, toys, or bumpers—just a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, to practice their new moves
2. Switch to a TOG-Rated Sleeping Bag
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to introduce a breathable, TOG-rated sleeping bag. It keeps your baby warm and safe no matter where they wriggle in the cot
3. Practice Rolling (Both Ways!) During the Day
The more tummy time and rolling practice your baby gets during wake windows, the faster they’ll master rolling both directions—and the less they’ll struggle when it happens in their sleep.
4. Pause Before Rescue
If your baby rolls to their tummy and fusses, try not to rush in straight away. Give them a moment tofigure it out. If they can’t and escalate, then go and help them back onto their back using calm voice, touch, or a short pat. But try to give them space first
5. Stick to the Routine
Consistent routines build emotional safety. When everthing feels a little wobbly. A predictable bath, feed, and bedtime is their anchor that gives your baby comfort amidst all these big changes. It’s one of the most underrated tools in sleep support.
6. Be Patient With the Process
Rolling is temporary. Disrupted sleep isn’t forever. This is one of many developmental phases, and while it can feel exhausting now, your baby is learning incredible things. Stay flexible, stay consistent and know that things will get better. In the meantime Coffee for you and practice for them.
Final Thoughts
Rolling isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Your baby is learning independence, movement, and new ways to feel safe in their body. And yes, sleep might look messy while that happens.
But here’s the good news: your baby hasn’t “lost” their ability to sleep. They’re simply integrating a new skill. Support them with safety, practice, patience—and trust that this too shall pass.
And when you’re up at 3 a.m. whispering “why, WHY tonight?” just know: I see you. I’ve walked this stage with thousands of families. It’s hard, it’s short-lived, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Rolling Over Disrupt Baby Sleep?
When your baby starts rolling, it’s a huge developmental milestone—but it can throw sleep off completely. Babies often wake more because:
- They practise new movements in their cot.
- They get stuck on their tummy and cry for help.
- They feel unsettled without swaddling.
- Their brain is “wired” from learning a new skill.
This is normal and temporary—it’s not a regression, it’s growth.
Should I Roll My Baby Back If They Flip Onto Their Tummy?
The short answer: no, not if they can roll independently both ways.
According to Red Nose (SIDS) guidelines:
- Always place your baby on their back to start sleep.
- Once they can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back, you don’t need to reposition them if they roll in the night.
- Step in only if your baby is stuck face-down and distressed.
So if your baby rolls onto their tummy and is happy, you can leave them
How Long Does the Rolling Sleep Disruption Last?
Most babies adjust within 1–3 weeks once they’ve mastered rolling both ways. Sleep disruption is temporary, but while it lasts it can feel intense
6 Baby Rolling Over Sleep Tips
Keep the Sleep Space Safe
No blankets, toys, or bumpers. Just a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.
Use a TOG-Rated Sleeping Bag
Once rolling starts, swaddling is no longer safe. A breathable sleep sack keeps your baby warm and secure without restricting movement.
Practise Rolling in the Day
Tummy time and floor play help babies learn both directions faster—reducing night-time struggles.
Pause Before Helping
Give your baby a moment to resettle if they fuss after rolling. If they escalate, gently assist.
Stick to the Bedtime Routine
Familiar steps (bath, feed, cuddle, sleep) signal safety and calm amidst new changes.
Be Patient—It’s a Phase
Rolling is a milestone that passes quickly. Support, safety, and consistency help your baby (and you) adjust.
Is It Safe for Babies to Sleep on Their Tummy?
Tummy sleeping is only safe once your baby can confidently roll both ways. Before that, always place them on their back to sleep. Even after they can roll, start them on their back—it’s the safest position.
