What to Do When Your Baby Rolls Over and Wakes Up

So, let’s get right to it.

Your baby is somewhere between 3–7 months old. Sleep has finally started to click... and then BAM...they learn how to roll 😭😭😭

Suddenly, they’re waking up all night again, crying when they roll onto their tummy. You’re back in the trenches, running on minimal sleep, wondering what the heck just happened.

This phase can feel frustrating and exhausting but rest assured, it’s really common. And with a few simple steps, you can help your baby get through it and protect the sleep progress you’ve worked so hard for.

Step 1: Ditch the Swaddle, ASAP

If your baby is showing any signs of rolling, it’s time to stop swaddling right away. This is a safety must.

Transition them to:
✶ An open-arm sleep sack (see my favourites for all budgets here)
✶ A transitional sleep sack like the Zipadee-Zip

👉 Need help making that change? Read this blog post.

What’s Actually Going On?

When babies first learn to roll, it throws off their sleep rhythm because:
✶ They get stuck on their tummies
✶ They haven’t yet learned how to roll back
✶ They feel confused, uncomfortable—and very unhappy about it

And yes, that often means broken sleep, short naps, and early mornings for everyone.

But once your baby can roll independently, most pediatricians agree it’s safe to let them sleep on their tummy if their sleep space is safe and bare. You should still place them on their back at the start of sleep—but if they roll on their own, there is no need to flip them back.

Two Things That Really Help

TIP 1: Practice, Practice, Practice

The more confident your baby feels rolling in both directions, the faster they’ll sleep more soundly again after rolling over themselves.

✶ Ramp up tummy time during the day
✶ Gently guide them from tummy to back using a blanket (then ease off as they get the hang of it)
✶ Practice rolling in their crib while they’re wearing their sleep sack so they’re familiar with the movement in their sleep space

Bonus: All this movement tires them out for naps and bedtime, too!

Even a few extra minutes of rolling practice each day can make a big difference.

TIP 2: Support Without Taking Over

If your baby rolls to their tummy during the night and starts crying:

✶ Wait 1–2 minutes to see if they can figure it out
✶ If they’re truly stuck, go in and flip them over—but just once

👉 If they immediately roll back again, resist the urge to keep flipping all night long. That quickly turns into a pattern you don’t want.

Instead, help them feel calm on their tummy:
✶ Gently pat their bum
✶ Shush or sing softly
✶ Offer comfort while giving them space to adapt to this new position

This helps them build trust and independence without undoing any sleep skills they’ve developed.

Quick Recap: What to Do When Baby Rolls and Wakes

✶ Swaddle → Sleep Sack as soon as rolling starts (read this for help)
✶ Back to Sleep at bedtime, but let them stay on their tummy if they roll
✶ Daily Practice helps them get confident, fast
✶ Settle on Tummy without constant flipping
✶ Stay Consistent—this usually passes in 3–7 days

You’re doing amazing. This is a transition, not a setback—and every day your baby gets stronger and more capable.

Still Dealing with Frequent Night Wakings?

If your baby was waking all night before the rolling started, this might be part of a bigger sleep puzzle—and you don’t have to piece it together alone.

✨ My free Night Waking Guide walks you through what’s normal, what’s not, and how to get longer stretches of sleep without starting from scratch.

👉 Click here to grab your FREE Night Waking Guide—it’ll be in your inbox in seconds.