5 Month Old No Longer Rolls Over

Updated on June 10, 2008
J.B. asks from La Porte, IN
4 answers

My 5 month old baby girl was rolling over at four months (not consistently, but she did it fairly often—especially while naked). Suddenly, she's not doing it anymore. She lays on her belly and starts to cry after about 10-15 minutes of being on her tummy. Sometimes, she just falls asleep on her belly. I keep trying to give her tummy time so that she'll be encouraged (and I place toys out of her reach), but she typically just finds her thumb and hangs out on her belly. She is teething right now (one tooth is already through and the other is on its way), so I thought that could be hindering her. I've also thought that maybe the cloth diapers I'm using might hinder her as well (that's why I let her be naked for awhile and put her on her belly). Unfortunately, she doesn't roll over naked right now, either. Our next Ped appointment isn't until July, so it'll be awhile before I can ask the doc. She otherwise is totally healthy and normal, and she seems physically capable of rolling over: she just seems to choose not to. Has anyone seen this happen before?

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So What Happened?

That second tooth popped through, and she started rolling over again! I really think it was just the teething that was holding her back. Poor kid. Thanks for all of your answers and encouragement!

More Answers

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S.L.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with Lisa. If she is teething that my have caused her to temporary regress. Sometimes when children are on the verge of a major milestone, you will see a temporary lapse in another one, especially if they just met it; not to mention if she is already cranky due to teething, she might be getting frustated easier and giving up quicker than she would when she is her normal, non-teething, happy self. If you are really worried though, I would call your ped. That is what they are there for and they can probably put your mind at ease better than anyone.
S.

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N.K.

answers from Chicago on

My son rolled over a few times when he was new, once even in the hospital after he was born, then he stopped until he was 8 months old. I swear he refused to do it because he was scared of falling. When he finally started rolling over, he was super tentative. Once he got over the fear, he was crawling, pulling up, and cruising within two months. Sounds like your little sweetheart is just saving it all up for a big dramatic show.

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T.C.

answers from Chicago on

It's true that as a child works on one milestone, a previously learned milestone may be put on hold. My son rolled from one side to the other for a couple weeks, then stopped doing it for a little while (he's 2 now...it's crazy how quickly you forget all these little things!). I wouldn't worry too much; however, if you are concerned, then call your ped. Don't wait for your next appt. We called our ped. so often with our son. That is what they are there for. If they act as though you are a nuisance, then switch ped's!

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L.K.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldn't worry about it if she's teething. The first teeth are the most uncomfortable for them because it is unfamiliar to them .She will probably have some diahrea too.Make sure you give her some oragel for the pain. I have a friend whose daughter stopped walking when she got sick for a few days.She started again a few days after she was better.If you really are concerned I would call your doctor. My pedi always has someone on call to get back to me. That's what they are there for.It's not like with our primary doctors who say "come in so i can look at you".I must have called my kids doctor at least a dozen times in two years:)Good luck! Oh "they "say that kids don't get a fever with teething but mine did and I know many others who did also.And she may have trouble sleeping a little.Hang in there:)

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