Help! My Baby Rolls to Their Tummy and Cries – 5 Steps to Better Sleep

One moment your baby is sleeping peacefully, and the next, they’re rolling onto their tummy and waking up crying. This is a common sleep disruption when babies start learning to roll, and while it can be exhausting, it’s temporary!

As a Registered Nurse & Sleep Consultant, I know how challenging sleep regressions can be. This guide will help you understand why this happens, how to support your baby, and most importantly, how to get everyone sleeping better again!

Why Do Babies Wake Up Crying After Rolling to Their Tummy?

Rolling over is an exciting milestone, but it can disrupt sleep because:

✔️ They get stuck – Many babies can roll onto their tummy but struggle to roll back.

✔️ They don’t like tummy sleeping (yet) – The new position feels unfamiliar.

✔️ Their startle reflex wakes them up – They feel unsettled when they roll.

✔️ They need time to build muscle strength – They’ll eventually master rolling both ways.

The good news? This phase doesn’t last forever! Here’s how to help your baby adjust and sleep better.

5 Steps to Help Baby Sleep Better When Rolling to Their Tummy

Step 1: Give More Tummy Time During the Day

Your baby needs plenty of tummy time to strengthen their muscles for rolling back and forth.

✔️ Start with short sessions (even 3-5 minutes at a time).

✔️ Encourage baby to push up on their arms and look around.

✔️ Use toys or gentle assistance to help them roll back to their back.

✔️ Make it fun! Engage with baby and get on their level.

💡 Pro Tip: The more practice they get during the day, the better they’ll handle rolling at night!

Step 2: Let Baby Try to Resettle on Their Own

If your baby rolls and isn’t in distress, try to wait a few moments before helping.

✔️ Some babies adjust quickly and may prefer tummy sleeping over time.

✔️ If they fuss but aren’t fully awake, give them a chance to self-soothe.

✔️ Avoid rushing in immediately, as this can reinforce wake-ups.

💡 Pro Tip: If baby is content, tummy sleeping is perfectly safe as long as they can roll both ways!

Step 3: Offer Gentle Assistance If Needed

If your baby is very upset after rolling, try these gentle solutions:

✔️ Guide their arm under their body to help them roll back.

✔️ Use soft shushing or gentle patting to soothe them.

✔️ If needed, roll them back to their back, but try not to make it a habit.

💡 Pro Tip: The goal is to help baby learn to roll back independently—not to roll them over every time.

Step 4: Create a Safe & Comfortable Sleep Space

Making the crib safe & cozy helps baby adjust to tummy sleeping faster.

✔️ No loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib.

✔️ Use a firm mattress and fitted sheet.

✔️ Dress baby in a lightweight sleep sack instead of swaddling (swaddles aren’t safe once baby rolls!).

💡 Pro Tip: White noise can help keep baby calm and settled through the night.

Step 5: Be Patient & Stay Consistent

This rolling phase usually lasts 1-2 weeks as baby learns to adjust to tummy sleeping.

✔️ Stick to a consistent bedtime routine to help baby feel secure.

✔️ Respond calmly at night—avoid too much stimulation.

✔️ Celebrate small wins! Even partial progress is still progress.

💡 Pro Tip: The more baby practices rolling during the day, the faster they will master it at night!

Additional Tips for a Smoother Transition

✔️ Teach baby to roll back by gently guiding them during tummy time.

✔️ Use a firm, flat sleep surface—baby should be comfortable moving around.

✔️ Avoid excessive picking up—help baby adjust by comforting without lifting every time.

✔️ Be consistent! Babies thrive on routine, so stick to a predictable sleep schedule.

🌙 Need More Help With Baby Sleep? Get My Sleep Guide!

If rolling wake-ups aren’t your only sleep struggle, you’re not alone! Many parents face challenges like short naps, frequent night wakings, and sleep regressions.

That’s why I created my Ultimate Sleep Guide for Babies—a step-by-step resource to help your baby sleep better from birth to 1.5 years.

Inside, you’ll get:

✔️ Customized sleep schedules for every age

✔️ Tips for handling regressions (like rolling!)

✔️ Methods for gentle sleep training that actually work

✔️ Troubleshooting common sleep struggles

📌 Remember:

✔️ Rolling-related wake-ups are temporary—your baby WILL adjust!

✔️ Focus on tummy time, safe sleep, and giving baby time to learn.

✔️ Stay consistent, and soon your little one will be rolling (and sleeping) like a pro!