Rolling
As a child's first form of independent movement, rolling is important for the development of core strength and whole body coordination. Babies can begin rolling from 3-4 months.
As children grow, rolling continues to be an important skill. For toddlers and preschoolers, rolling helps develop balance, spatial awareness, coordination, strength and confidence moving their body in different ways.
- Place objects or soft toys just out of reach
- Ensure baby is given plenty of tummy time to allow independent movement
- For toddlers & preschoolers use simple language such as “tuck your chin”, “make your body long”, “roll sideways” or “curl up small”.
- Carry baby in different positions to allow them to generate strength in new muscles
- Encourage attempts to roll independently
- Place toys to the side of baby to reach for
- Join in songs and movement activities
- Engage baby by using noise, light and sound
- Encourage toddlers and preschoolers to try rolling like different animals, objects or shapes.
Model different rolling actions and join in the play.
Always ensure you place baby in safe situations - never leave a baby somewhere (a changing table, couch etc) that they could roll off.
- Dangle objects above baby's hands and feet to encourage them to reach and grab with all limbs - dangle these at varying distances to the side to further develop core strength
- Use light up or noise-maker toys. Place these just out of reach to encourage baby to stretch out to grab them
- Place baby on soft, flat surfaces
- For toddlers and preschoolers, create rolling spaces using mats, soft play equipment, gentle slopes, tunnels or obstacle courses.
- Ensure there is enough space between children when rolling.
While encouraging your baby to explore rolling, engage them by making noises with movement. Try;
- Rocking baby from side to side while lying with their back on the floor
- Tap their feet with a rattle to encourage them to bring their hands to their feet
- Laying along side baby and talking to them
- Read books to baby on an angle that encourages them to turn their head and body towards the pictures
- Try playing games like Bug Kicks, or Animal Circles
- Place objects and toys just out of reach to develop core strength
- Try log rolls with a long, straight body.
- Try egg rolls by curling into a small ball.
- Roll down a gentle grassy hill or soft wedge mat.
- Play Friendly Pixie (Locomotor) and roll like a pencil, sausage, ball, crocodile or snowball.
- Add rolling into obstacle courses.
- Play “copy my roll” where children take turns choosing a rolling action.
Encourage rolling by limiting time spent in an upright position (carrier, stroller or swing). A baby will often begin to explore rolling by first;
- Rocking from side to side
- Lifting legs and feet towards hands when lying on their back
- Twisting their torso or hips separately from the other
- Rolling their hips towards an object as they try to reach and grasp
Toddlers may begin to explore rolling by:
- Rolling from lying to sitting.
- Rolling during floor play.
- Rolling over soft objects or cushions.
- Rolling as part of rough and tumble play.
Preschoolers may begin to master rolling by:
- Rolling with more control and direction.
- Rolling in different body shapes.
- Combining rolling with crawling, jumping, balancing or climbing.
