Evie Summers
The phenomenon of newborns rolling over in their sleep is known as the newborn curl or newborn scrunch. It is a reflex action that occurs due to the baby's curled-up position in the womb during late pregnancy. While it can be alarming for new parents, it is important to know that rolling over is a natural part of a baby's growth and development. Most babies start to roll over on their own around 4 to 6 months of age, with some achieving this milestone earlier or later.
Can newborns roll over in their sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Newborns rolling over in sleep | A reflex called the "newborn curl" or "newborn scrunch" |
| Age when newborns start rolling over | 4-6 months |
| Safe sleeping position for newborns | On their back |
| Safe sleeping environment for newborns | Firm and flat mattress with no additional items, such as pillows, toys, or loose sheets |
| Use of swaddle for newborns | Should be stopped once the newborn starts showing signs of rolling or by 8 weeks, whichever is earlier |
| Use of bassinet for newborns | Should be transitioned to a crib once the newborn starts showing signs of rolling |
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What You'll Learn
Newborn curl/scrunch
The newborn curl or newborn scrunch is a phenomenon where newborns roll onto their side while sleeping. This is not a developmental milestone but a physiological muscle movement related to how the baby was curled in the late pregnancy stage in the womb. It is an involuntary reflex and is fairly common.
If your newborn is showing signs of the newborn curl, you should not be alarmed. Experts recommend that you continue placing them to sleep on their back, as recommended by the AAP, to reduce the risk of SIDS. You should also ensure that there are no soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, or loose bedding under the baby. It is also recommended to avoid using any baby sleep "positioners" with wedges or blocks to prevent the baby from moving. Instead, keep the crib bare with a firm surface and a tight-fitting sheet.
If your baby is out of the newborn phase and is actively trying to roll onto their side or tummy, there is no need to continuously wake up throughout the night to roll them back onto their back. You can let them find their own natural sleeping position. However, if your baby is still in the newborn phase and can only roll in one direction, you should gently roll them back onto their back whenever they roll onto their side or front.
The newborn curl typically ends or becomes less noticeable after two months, and by four months of age, most babies will start to show signs of being able to roll. Some babies may begin rolling earlier or later than this, as each baby is different and develops at their own pace.
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Safe sleep positions
The safest sleep position for a newborn is to lie on their back, also known as the supine position. This position is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and has been shown to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Research has found that babies who sleep on their backs have a lower risk of SIDS than those who sleep on their fronts or sides.
It is important to place your baby on their back at the beginning of every sleep, whether it is during the day or night. This includes naps and bedtime. The back sleep position is recommended for all babies, including those born prematurely, until they are one year old.
Once your baby can roll over and move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position. If your baby can roll over, you do not need to turn them back onto their back. However, it is important to ensure that there are no soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, or loose bedding near your baby that could pose a risk of accidental suffocation or strangulation.
If your baby is swaddled, it is recommended to stop by eight weeks old or when they first show signs of rolling, whichever comes first. This is to avoid the risk of a swaddled baby rolling over in their sleep.
While it is normal for newborns to curl up into the fetal position on their side, this is usually an involuntary reflex called the "newborn curl," and most babies will outgrow it within a few weeks. If your baby is constantly crying when they roll onto their tummy, you can try comforting them by patting, shushing, and gently jiggling their body.
Additionally, it is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months. This allows for close supervision and can provide added safety.
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Reducing the risk of SIDS
While it is highly unusual for a newborn to roll over in their sleep, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Here are some ways to do that:
Safe sleep practices
It is recommended to always place your baby on their back to sleep, whether for naps or at night. This advice applies from birth up until the baby is at least six months old. If your baby rolls over on their own during sleep, you do not need to turn them back onto their back. However, it is important that they start every sleep on their back.
Firm, flat sleep surface
Use a firm, flat sleep surface for your baby, such as a safety-approved crib with a mattress covered by a fitted sheet. Do not use soft objects, toys, crib bumpers, loose bedding, or extra blankets that could come loose and pose a risk of suffocation.
Room-sharing without bed-sharing
Keep your baby's sleep area in the same room as you, ideally for the first six months. This arrangement helps facilitate breastfeeding and allows you to monitor your baby closely. However, avoid bed-sharing as it increases the risk of SIDS, especially if the baby is less than four months old.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of SIDS. Even a few months of breastfeeding can make a significant difference. It helps strengthen the baby's immune system and promotes brain development.
Pacifier use
After establishing breastfeeding, offer your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. The sucking action prevents babies from getting too deep into sleep and may reduce the risk of SIDS.
Avoid exposure to smoke
The SIDS rate is higher among babies exposed to cigarette smoke. Create a smoke-free environment for your baby to reduce the risk of SIDS and promote overall health.
Vaccination
Ensure your baby receives recommended vaccines during well-child visits to protect against serious diseases.
Safe swaddling
Swaddling can help soothe your baby and promote better sleep. However, it is important to stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling to avoid the risk of rolling onto their tummy while swaddled.
Monitor leg strength
Keep an eye on your baby's leg strength as they grow. Increased leg and hip strength may indicate that they are preparing to roll over.
Remember, it is normal for babies to curl up into the fetal position on their side during sleep, known as the "newborn curl." This reflex is due to their position in the womb. Most babies outgrow this phase within a few weeks. If you have any concerns, always consult your pediatrician.
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Swaddling and rolling
Swaddling is a popular way to help newborns sleep peacefully. It is meant to mimic the comfort and security of the womb, and many babies enjoy being swaddled during their first few weeks of life. However, as babies grow and develop, they may start to roll over during sleep, which can raise concerns for parents, especially if they are still being swaddled.
Rolling Over in Sleep:
Newborns typically start rolling over on their own around 4 to 6 months of age. However, some babies may start as early as 2 months, while others may take a bit longer. This milestone can be exciting for parents, but it can also be a source of worry, especially regarding sleep positioning and safety.
The Newborn Curl:
It is important to distinguish between the "newborn curl" and actual rolling. The newborn curl is an involuntary reflex where newborns curl up into the fetal position on their side. This is a normal reflex due to their position in the womb, and most babies grow out of it within a few weeks. If you observe this reflex, you don't need to stop swaddling immediately.
Swaddling and Safety:
The main concern with swaddling and rolling is the risk of suffocation. If a baby rolls over onto their stomach while swaddled, they may not have the strength or ability to roll back, which can lead to a suffocation hazard. Therefore, it is crucial to stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling or attempting to roll, or by 8 weeks of age, whichever comes first. This is a critical step to ensure your baby's safety.
Transitioning Out of Swaddling:
Transitioning out of swaddling can be stressful for parents, especially if their baby has been sleeping well. However, it is important to prioritize safety and make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are some tips for transitioning:
- Look for signs of rolling: If your baby is able to get their body up onto their shoulder or shows increased leg and hip strength, they may be preparing to roll.
- Choose the right swaddle: Some swaddles are designed to restrict arm movement, which can be dangerous once babies start rolling. Opt for transitional swaddles that allow arm movement, such as the SwaddleMe arms-free convertible swaddle or sleep sacks like the Zipadee Zip.
- Monitor your baby's comfort: During the transition, your baby may still have a startle reflex, which can disrupt their sleep. Monitor their comfort and provide reassurance as they adjust to sleeping without the swaddle.
- Practice rolling: Encourage your baby to practice rolling to the side and eventually to their belly. Consistent practice can help them quell their startle reflex and adjust to sleeping in different positions.
- Consult your pediatrician: If you have any concerns or questions about the transition, don't hesitate to seek advice from your pediatrician.
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Baby monitors and devices
While it is unlikely that a newborn will be able to roll over on their own, some babies have been observed to have strong leg movements and can kick themselves onto their side. This is known as the "newborn curl" and is simply a reflex from their time spent in the womb. Most babies grow out of this within a few weeks and it is normal for them to sleep on their side.
Baby monitors can be a great way to keep an eye on your newborn and their rolling habits. Here are some devices that can help you do that:
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor
The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is a Wi-Fi-powered baby monitor that can be managed on your smartphone via the Nanit app, which is available for iOS and Android. It offers a live video feed of the baby's room, temperature and humidity readings, and the ability to snap a picture, adjust the volume, and speak to your baby. The app also saves short video clips whenever it detects sound or motion, and sends you a sleep summary every morning. The camera can also function as a sound machine and a night light. Nanit also offers insights and tips from in-house pediatric experts, which can be useful for new parents.
V-Care Monitor
The V-Care monitor is a versatile baby monitor that can be accessed from any device. It provides a sleep analysis feature, although it requires the device to be mounted over the baby's sleep space. It also allows you to set up "danger zones" and receive alerts when your baby enters an area they shouldn't be in. You can customize your settings to receive alerts for specific situations, such as when the baby cries, wakes up, falls asleep, or rolls over.
Eufy Baby Monitor 2
The Eufy Baby Monitor 2 records sound-triggered clips and captures short "temperature change" clips. While it does not record motion clips, it does offer a clear video stream and an easy-to-use app that allows you to adjust the camera remotely and track sleep events on a calendar view.
Motorola VM36XL
The Motorola VM36XL features a portable and rechargeable baby camera that can be moved from room to room, making it useful for both the newborn days and the toddler years. However, it has been noted that the battery life is relatively short, lasting only about three hours on the baby unit. Additionally, the zoom quality and display could be improved.
Owlet Dream Duo 2
The Owlet Dream Duo 2 is a baby monitor that provides sleep analysis, tracking your baby's pulse rate, oxygen levels, movement, noise in the room, room temperature, and when the baby wakes up. This information can be helpful for parents with newborns and babies, especially if they are experiencing sleep issues or trying to establish a sleep schedule.
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Frequently asked questions
It is uncommon for newborns to roll over in their sleep. Most babies start rolling over on their own around 4 to 6 months of age. However, some babies may show signs of being able to roll as early as 4 months old.
The "newborn curl" or "newborn scrunch" is a phenomenon where newborns roll onto their side. It is not a developmental milestone but a physiological muscle movement related to how the baby was curled in the womb during late pregnancy.
If your baby can roll in both directions unaided, it is okay to put them to sleep on their back and let them find their natural sleeping position. If they can only roll in one direction, gently roll them back onto their back whenever they roll onto their front or side.
To prevent your baby from rolling over in their sleep, you can use a safe baby sleeping bag or swaddle them. However, once they start showing signs of rolling, it is recommended to stop swaddling and transition to a crib for safety.
Here are some safety tips for when your baby starts rolling over:
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back at the beginning of the night.
- Make sure their face and head remain uncovered during sleep.
- Use a firm, flat mattress with no additional items in the cot, including pillows, loose sheets, or blankets.
