To swaddle or not to swaddle...

I am a HUGE fan of swaddling your infant. I learned from my cousin, a wonderful way to swaddle where the baby still has arm movement. I also learned about a wonderful blanket that is so light and airy it even works down here in the Texas heat! I started swaddling Noah right away and he quickly learned that I meant REAL sleep every time he was swaddled. He never had any of the day and night mix up issues that my other 4 had. Here is a picture of him swaddled.

The problem I have run across is that at 8 1/2 months, he still wants to be swaddled or he doesn't sleep. He finally sits up, but HATES his tummy. He doesn't roll over and never even tries to move. I am not completely bothered by this. I am a pretty laid back parent and I realize that it will all happen eventually. I don't worry with comparing him to development charts. On the other hand, I have been tossing around the idea that I am creating this more than it being a personality thing for him. He never has the opportunity to practice movement when he wakes, because he is "tied" down within the swaddle.

Well, today, I nursed him to sleep for his nap and didn't swaddle him. Then, I layed him down in his bed ON HIS TUMMY!!! This has always backfired on me in the past. When I have tried, I have just messed up the nap time. IT WORKED!!! Right now, as I type this, he is sound asleep, on his tummy, in his crib! I am so excited!! Maybe now, he will get that upper body workout he needs as he wakes! Here is the picture of him asleep right now...(yes, I know, I risked a TON for your benefit!) Isn't he sweet!?!