Correcting Habitual Rolling to the Right: Tips for Infant Rehabilitation

How can I correct the habit of consistently rolling back to the right side?

Dear Dr.
Su,
My younger brother is seven months and eight days old.
When he rolls from his back to his stomach and then back to his back, he habitually rolls to his right side, while he needs assistance to roll back to his back from his stomach on his left side.
I am unsure what causes this.
Could it be because I initially taught him to roll back to his back from the right side? Or could it be related to some mild stiffness in his neck muscles on the right side (which has improved now)? Additionally, he can roll from his stomach to his right side, but he still tends to roll from his stomach to his left side.
How can I correct this?
Also, it seems that his back strength is a bit insufficient, as he cannot fully support his chest with his arms.
Occasionally, he can lift it slightly, but after a few seconds, he lowers it again.
He can only hold himself up for a few seconds before falling back down, but it’s not very severe.
How can I train his back strength?

Zhuang Tai Tai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/10/02

Dr. Su Hongci reply Rehabilitation

When a baby first starts to roll over, they typically only roll halfway, usually transitioning to a side-lying position before rolling onto their back.
By six months of age, they usually can independently roll from their back to their stomach or from their stomach to their back, and the rolling becomes quite spontaneous.
Rolling exercises can help train bilateral balance; adults can assist by gently pulling one of the baby's hands or feet towards the opposite side to encourage the rolling motion, allowing the baby to participate in the movement.
If there are still concerns about muscle strength, a visit to a pediatric developmental clinic may be advisable.

Reply Date: 2012/10/02

More Info

Correcting habitual rolling in infants, particularly when a child consistently rolls to one side, can be a common concern for parents. In your case, your seven-month-old son has developed a tendency to roll to the right side, and you are wondering about the reasons behind this behavior and how to encourage more balanced rolling.
Firstly, it's important to understand that infants often develop preferences for certain movements based on their experiences and physical development. If your son has been encouraged to roll to the right side more frequently, he may have developed a habit of doing so. Additionally, if there was any previous stiffness or discomfort in his neck muscles on the left side, this could have contributed to his preference for rolling to the right.
To help correct this habitual rolling, here are some strategies you can implement:
1. Encourage Left-Side Rolling: During playtime, place toys or interesting objects to the left side of your child. This will encourage him to reach and roll towards that direction. You can also gently assist him by guiding his body to roll to the left, making it a fun activity rather than a forced action.

2. Use Tummy Time: Tummy time is crucial for developing the muscles necessary for rolling and other movements. Ensure that your child spends adequate time on his stomach while awake. This helps strengthen the back, neck, and shoulder muscles, which are essential for rolling in both directions.

3. Promote Bilateral Movement: Engage your child in activities that promote the use of both sides of the body. For example, you can hold a toy in front of him and encourage him to reach for it with both hands, or you can gently rock him side to side to help him feel comfortable with movement in both directions.

4. Physical Therapy: If you notice that your child continues to struggle with rolling to the left or shows signs of muscle weakness, consider consulting a pediatric physical therapist. They can provide tailored exercises and interventions that can help strengthen his back and neck muscles and promote more balanced movement.

5. Back Strengthening Exercises: To address the concerns about your child's back strength, you can incorporate simple exercises into his playtime. For instance, encourage him to push up on his hands while lying on his stomach. You can also place him in a sitting position with support and encourage him to reach for toys, which will help strengthen his back and core muscles.

6. Monitor Development: Keep an eye on your child's overall development. If he is meeting other milestones appropriately, this rolling preference may be a normal part of his development. However, if you have concerns about his muscle strength or movement patterns, it is always best to consult with a pediatrician or a specialist.

In conclusion, while it is common for infants to develop preferences for certain movements, it is important to encourage balanced development through play and targeted activities. By promoting left-side rolling and strengthening exercises, you can help your child develop the necessary skills to roll in both directions effectively. If you have ongoing concerns, do not hesitate to seek professional guidance to ensure your child's healthy development.

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