When do babies roll over?
The CDC's milestone checklist lists “Rolls from tummy to back” by 6 months. That means most babies (75% or more) can roll from tummy to back by 6 months, and many roll sooner. Floor time while your baby is awake gives them the chance. If your baby isn't rolling by 6 months, talk with your pediatrician.
Checked October 29, 2026.
What the CDC's checklists say
| By | The CDC's milestone | Month page |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | Rolls from tummy to back | Your baby at 6 months |
| 6 months | Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy | Your baby at 6 months |
Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (6 months), checked October 29, 2026.
What “by 6 months” means
Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. The CDC puts each milestone at the age by which at least 75% of children would be expected to do it, so that even one missing milestone leads to a conversation with the doctor instead of “wait and see”. So “by 6 months” isn't an average. Many children do it sooner, and the checklists don't list everything a child learns.
What it can look like
Pushing up on the arms during tummy time, rocking to one side, then a roll from tummy to back, often by surprise.
What helps
- Give your baby plenty of awake time on a blanket on the floor, never on a bed or sofa where they could roll off.
- Put a toy just to one side during tummy time so they turn and reach toward it.
- Cheer the first roll, even the accidental ones. A happy face makes them try again.
Talk to your pediatrician if…
Your baby isn't doing this by 6 months, the age on the CDC's list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.
You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.
If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.
More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.
Sources
- CDC, Milestones by 6 months (Learn the Signs. Act Early.) (checked October 29, 2026)
- CDC, Key Points about CDC's Developmental Milestone Checklists (checked October 29, 2026)
- CDC, CDC's Developmental Milestones: Concerned about your child's development? Act early. (checked October 29, 2026)
- CDC, Concerned About Your Child's Development? (checked October 29, 2026)