Turning from back to stomach is one of the first stages of independent movement for an infant. It is an important skill that indicates normal motor development and lays the foundations for subsequent stages, such as crawling or walking. Find out when your baby turns and how to support this key milestone in your toddler's development!
When does the baby start to turn?
The ability to turn from back to stomach usually appears around the age of 5 months. About a month later, the baby learns to turn from belly to back.
It is important to keep this order - first turn onto tummy, then back onto back. This demonstrates the child's normal motor control.
It is worth remembering, however, that if a 2- or 3-month-old infant lying on their stomach suddenly rolls onto their back, this is not yet a conscious turn. Rather, it is the result of poor trunk control and impaired muscle toneand not a properly acquired skill.
What is needed for proper turnover?
In order for an infant to perform correct and conscious turns, it must have well-developed motor control and adequate muscle tone. This process is complex and requires the cooperation of many muscle groups and the maturation of the nervous system. Infant physiotherapists distinguish several key elements:
Stable head control
The child should be able to lift freely and keep the head in the body axis. This is possible due to the balance between the extensor and flexor muscles of the trunk. Failure to stabilise the head may be an indication of abnormal muscle tone, which may require consultation with a paediatric physiotherapist.
Adjustment reactions of the head to the side.
These are reflexes that appear around 4 months of age and enable the baby to lift his or her head against the force of gravity in a lateral position. If these reactions are delayed or asymmetrical, this may suggest the need for support by exercises to support sensorimotor development.
Correctly constructed midline of the body
The baby should spontaneously join his or her hands at chest level, put them in his or her mouth and grasp his or her feet. Such movements are evidence of harmonious muscle tone and good development of coordination. During this period it is advisable to play games that involve both sides of the body and promote symmetry of movement.
Crossing the centreline of the body
This is a key skill, enabling the child to initiate a turn. The hand that follows the toy provokes a movement of the torso, which leads to rolling to the side.
If the infant avoids this movement or has difficulty with it, it is advisable to consult paediatric physiotherapistwhich will assess the development of bilateral motor coordination.
Ability to carry body weight
During learning to turn baby should be able to consciously transfer weight from one side to the other. Uneven loading of the limbs and trunk may indicate an asymmetry of muscle tone or poor central stabilisation, which may require therapeutic support.
Lengthening and shortening the trunk
The side to which the child turns should be elongated and provide solid support. While the opposite side actively shortens and engages in movement. If this mechanism is not working properly, it can lead to compensatory movement patterns that will hinder further motor development - of which crawling i walking.
Correct rotation is an important step in infant development and should not be overlooked.
In the event of difficulties infant physiotherapy offers effective support methods. Regular exercisessensory stimulation and appropriate positioning of the child can help significantly in achieving the correct movement pattern. If you have doubts about your child's development, it is a good idea to consult a specialist, who will assess muscle tone, coordination and how new skills are being learned.
How do you support your child in learning to spin?
Parents can support the learning of this skill through simple activities and games:
- Picking up and putting down by the side - helps the child become accustomed to rotary motion.
- Dressing and undressing in the side position - gentle rolling promotes development and helps to relax muscle tension.
- Motor games - e.g. linking arms and legs in the midline or gently rolling the baby to the side with joined limbs.
What does a proper tummy turn look like?
Correct stomach/back rotation consists of several stages:
- Twisting of the head to the side - the toddler follows the toy with his eyes.
- Crossing the midline of the body - the opposite hand extends towards the stimulus.
- Raise the legs and bring them to the abdomen - activates abdominal muscles and stabilises movement.
- Pelvic obliquity - makes it possible to lengthen one side of the trunk and shorten the other.
- Rotation to the side - first phase of transfusion.
- Head adjustment reaction - the head is placed in a dominant position, being the highest point of the body.
- Transfusion to the abdomen - the trunk stabilises, the legs straighten at the hips.
What can make learning to turn difficult?
Some factors may delay the acquisition of this skill, such as:
- No experience of lying on a hard surface - the child needs stable support to learn to control movements.
- Excessive use of recliners and rocking chairs - reduces motivation to move and can perpetuate asymmetry.
- No tummy time - weakens the muscles responsible for stabilisation.
- Avoiding uprightness - variable positions stimulate the vestibular system and encourage motor exploration.
When is it worth consulting a physiotherapist?
Turning should be done symmetrically - the child should turn both to the right and to the left. If the toddler clearly prefers only one side, this may indicate a asymmetry of muscle tone or other developmental difficulties.
Look out for other warning signs as well:
- Toddler bends backwards during rotation - If he does this occasionally, it is a natural part of learning. However, if the body forms a 'C' shape and the child flexes visibly, it is worth seeking specialist advice.
- Falling from stomach to back before 5 months of age - may indicate difficulties with trunk control.
- No turnover despite 6 months of age - although each child develops at his or her own pace, a prolonged lack of this skill may require assessment by a specialist.
Keep in mind that at first your baby may only try to rotate through one side. This is natural - after a few days there should be rotation to the other side.
Why is consultation with a physiotherapist important?
Not everyone lack of turnover in the child is a cause for concern. However, early diagnosis avoids later difficulties in motor development. The physiotherapist will assess muscle tone, body symmetry and check that the child is developing according to norms. If necessary, they will indicate exercises to promote healthy development, which can be carried out at home.
The earlier we notice possible difficulties, the easier it is to correct them. With the right measures, we can support the child in reaching the next milestones, ensuring healthy and harmonious development.
Physiotherapist for children and babies
