728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Expert Q&A › Babies › Is it unusual for a 6-month-old not to sit up by himself or roll over?

Expert Q&A

 

By David L. Fay, M.D.
Family Physician
Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program

Is it unusual for a 6-month-old not to sit up by himself or roll over?

When we in the medical field discuss a baby's ability to sit up, we distinguish between sitting up with or without support. You have not indicated which stage you are asking about. Fifty percent of babies sit with support by 3 months, and almost all by 4 months. Infants will generally start to sit without support at 5 to 6 months, but it is usually 6 to 7 months before 50 percent will sit on their own.

Rolling over begins at about 2 to 3 months, and most babies roll from front to back first. By 4 to 5 months, 50 percent of babies will roll over, and by 6 months almost all will.

Both of these milestones address an infant's muscle tone. Remember, these are general guidelines, and babies move at their own pace. If you are concerned, address this with your physician. Individual milestones are only important in assessing a baby's overall health; missing one or two is frequently not a problem. However, if a child misses many milestones, it can be an indication of severe problems, and must be identified early.

Related Expert Q&A

More Answers by this Expert

View more Q&A by this Expert