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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

5 month old development - tummy time

5 replies

GemB86 · 12/04/2021 19:19

Just wondering what other parents experiences has been with tummy time and rolling? My son is 5months and isn’t showing any sign of rolling over. I give him plenty of floor time throughout the day and try to encourage getting onto his side by placing toys next to him. He doesn’t seem interested. He’ll play with his toys lying on his back or in his chair. He is starting to grab at his feet and has on a couple of occasions made attempts to try to push himself over but that was a couple of weeks ago and nothing since.

He also doesn’t like tummy time. I try putting him on my tummy, used a rolled up towel & then bought him a tummy time pillow. He tolerates less than 5 mins & during that 5 mins he wants to chew at his hands or face plant the ground in frustration. I’ve also tried lying opposite him to encourage him to look up but that doesn’t seem to work either. I’m not getting any visits from HV due to COVID, his next face to face is 8 months as they were happy with his progress at last visit. I’ve texted HV about this and she said it might not be until 6 months until signs of rolling but I just feel by now there would be more signs of him hitting this milestone.

Otherwise he is thriving, eats and sleeps well, is a lovely natured wee soul and always smiling. Teething is in full effect though which I feel might be the reason he likes a good chew at his fists during tummy time. I’m a first time Mum so I’m probably worrying too much!

Any advice or shared experience would be lovely Smile

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Foreverbaffled · 12/04/2021 20:49

Hi,

Try not to worry too much. Plenty of babies aren't rolling at 5 months (and some skip it all together!) Maybe try and guide him through the process so he gets a feel for the body movements. My almost 5 month old rolled front to back a few times a while ago and has since stopped completely. He just sticks his arms out sideways now during tummy time and gets cross. Also recently lots of fist chewing so assume teething too.

If your baby has good head control when sitting (supported) and no head lag when pulled to sit I wouldn't give the rolling too much of a thought. Just keep up with the floor play. He'll get there eventually :)

Vicky1989x · 12/04/2021 20:57

I wouldn’t worry, my DD didn’t roll until 8.5 months. I spent months complaining that she wouldn’t roll and as soon as she started I regretted it cause I can’t leave her anywhere now 🤣

GemB86 · 12/04/2021 22:05

Thank you @Foreverbaffled & @Vicky1989x

Yeah he has great head control. I’m definitely a worrier! I need to keep reminding myself every baby is different.

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Cormoran · 13/04/2021 00:19

I have 3 DC. DS2 is my youngest, hated tummy time with a passion, wouldn't even attempt to push himself up, didn't roll until he could walk and now age 16 he competes at a state level in Australia for Javelin in athletics and butterfly in swimming, so relax @GemB86 kids have their own agenda and development will come for all.

GemB86 · 14/04/2021 10:06

Thank you @Cormoran
Well done to your son with his athletic competitions! Makes me wonder what sports my DS will be interested in.

Since writing my original post DS decided to attempt a roll whilst on his changing table ... suffice to say it almost gave me a heart attack as I was turning to put something away! So yeah, he’ll be placed in his cot if I need to step away from changing table from now on!

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