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My 2.5 year old is fascinated by forward rolls and attempts to do them on the floor and on the bed. He is not afraid of hurting himself, he also dives head first into the bed and such. I worry about him injuring his neck, because he is fearless and strong, and because his head is still so large so he cannot tuck it in as much as i can.

However, i have not been able to find any reliable information online about toddlers and the risks of forward rolls.

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    I have no scientific evidence to provide, but in my neighborhood, gymnastics lessons at the competitive club can start at 36 months, and they do rolls and cartwheels when ready. My own kids were right about 36 months when they became interested.
    – Stu W
    Jan 25, 2016 at 1:56
  • by "forward roll", do you mean "somersault"?
    – warren
    Jan 26, 2016 at 23:26
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    @warren somersault's are done in the air, when the (head and) back touch the floor i believe it's a forward roll - i think.
    – Ivana
    Jan 27, 2016 at 15:34
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    @Ivana - maybe it's a regional thing .. always heard them called somersaults when I was a kid :)
    – warren
    Jan 27, 2016 at 16:59
  • I don't have an answer, but try and teach him to tuck his chin to minimise strain on the cervical spine.
    – jshlke
    Feb 2, 2016 at 11:37

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As a daycare provider for the last 10 years, specializing in Infant and Toddler care, this is pretty normal. Kids that age love to roll, tumble and try new ways to move around. As long as you are providing a safe environment and there to monitor what's going on, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. This is large motor skill development, have fun!!!

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