Birth–11 monthsGross Motor SkillsPhysical Development: Moving and Handling
Rolls over from front to back, from back to front.
Observe whether the child: rolls over from front to back, from back to front.
What it looks like
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Emerging
Just starting
Shows partial rolling (to the side) or rolls in only one direction, sometimes accidentally when wriggling. May get stuck partway (e.g., arm trapped) or needs extra space/time to complete the movement.
What you might see
On the floor, the child stays on their back or tummy and does not turn the trunk over even when a toy is shown to the side.
When uncomfortable (e.g., on tummy), the child fusses but does not roll to change position.
Rolls from back to side and remains there, unable to continue to tummy without help.
Rolls tummy-to-back once in a while, but cannot roll back-to-tummy yet (or vice versa).
Attempts to roll but gets one arm stuck underneath and stops moving forward.
Expected
On track
Rolls from back to tummy or tummy to back intentionally at times, especially when motivated by a toy or discomfort. Movement may be effortful or inconsistent, but the child can complete a roll without adult lifting.
What you might see
Rolls from back to tummy when reaching for a toy placed to the side, though may need several attempts.
Rolls from tummy to back after pushing up on forearms and shifting weight.
Completes a roll but appears effortful (pauses mid-roll) and does it inconsistently.
Exceeding
Going further
Rolls both ways (front to back and back to front) reliably across everyday contexts, using rolling to change position during play. Can repeat rolling and does not routinely get stuck.
What you might see
Rolls from back to tummy and tummy to back during the same play session without adult repositioning.
Uses rolling to get closer to a toy or person (rolls more than once in sequence).
Rolls on different floor surfaces (mat/carpet) and continues playing after rolling.
Rolls smoothly and can stop on the side briefly before completing the roll (controlled movement).
Changes direction (starts rolling toward a toy, then rolls back) without becoming stuck.
Uses rolling to reposition for play (e.g., rolls to tummy to look at a toy, then rolls back to free hands).
Try this at home
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
Floor play: Place a bright toy just to one side and notice whether your baby rolls to change position to reach it (allow space and observe without lifting).
Nappy change: After nappy time on a mat, see whether your baby rolls themselves to a preferred position (back to side/tummy) when given a moment.
Tummy time (supervised): Watch whether your baby can roll off their tummy to their back when they want a break.
Daily routine: When your baby is on their back, gently get their attention from the side and observe whether they roll to look and follow.
Connected behaviours
Behaviours that scaffold, follow, or co-emerge with this one.
The framework source and supporting developmental research.
Framework source
Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (DfE, 2012).
This construct is a verbatim Development Matters (2012) observable behaviour statement representing a foundational gross motor milestone in the first year.
Other sources
Folio, M. R., & Fewell, R. R. (2000). Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–Second Edition (PDMS-2). PRO-ED.
PDMS-2 includes early motor patterns and positional control observations that contextualise rolling as part of typical gross motor development.
Five-level rubric (detailed)ShowHide
The full progression underlying the three levels above. Used by the platform’s reasoning agent when planning activities and observations.
Not Yet
Does not roll from back to front or front to back; when placed on tummy or back, stays in that position until repositioned. May make small wriggles or turn head but the trunk does not complete a roll.
On the floor, the child stays on their back or tummy and does not turn the trunk over even when a toy is shown to the side.
When uncomfortable (e.g., on tummy), the child fusses but does not roll to change position.
Emerging
Shows partial rolling (to the side) or rolls in only one direction, sometimes accidentally when wriggling. May get stuck partway (e.g., arm trapped) or needs extra space/time to complete the movement.
Rolls from back to side and remains there, unable to continue to tummy without help.
Rolls tummy-to-back once in a while, but cannot roll back-to-tummy yet (or vice versa).
Attempts to roll but gets one arm stuck underneath and stops moving forward.
Developing
Rolls from back to tummy or tummy to back intentionally at times, especially when motivated by a toy or discomfort. Movement may be effortful or inconsistent, but the child can complete a roll without adult lifting.
Rolls from back to tummy when reaching for a toy placed to the side, though may need several attempts.
Rolls from tummy to back after pushing up on forearms and shifting weight.
Completes a roll but appears effortful (pauses mid-roll) and does it inconsistently.
Secure
Rolls both ways (front to back and back to front) reliably across everyday contexts, using rolling to change position during play. Can repeat rolling and does not routinely get stuck.
Rolls from back to tummy and tummy to back during the same play session without adult repositioning.
Uses rolling to get closer to a toy or person (rolls more than once in sequence).
Rolls on different floor surfaces (mat/carpet) and continues playing after rolling.
Reflexive
Rolls with smooth control, pauses or changes direction as needed, and uses rolling strategically (to reposition for play, reach a toy, or move across a short space).
Rolls smoothly and can stop on the side briefly before completing the roll (controlled movement).
Changes direction (starts rolling toward a toy, then rolls back) without becoming stuck.
Uses rolling to reposition for play (e.g., rolls to tummy to look at a toy, then rolls back to free hands).
