If you're looking for a gentle sleep training method for your baby, you've come to the right place. We're going to discuss the "pick-up-and-put-down" method. This is a gradual sleep training method for babies younger than six months.
You can use the pickup, put-down method to help your baby sleep from birth. The idea is to keep in regular contact with your baby until they're calm enough to fall asleep. Whenever your baby cries, pick them up and soothe them with a gentle "shhh" sound. Over time, they'll learn to fall asleep on their own. Eventually, your baby will associate "shhh" with sleep, which will help soothe them. It can take several weeks for the method to work, and it may be time-consuming, but it's emotionally easy for you and gentle for your baby.
With this method, you'll do exactly what the name suggests: pick up and put down your child until they fall asleep. You'll be right there with your child as they fall asleep. When your child cries, you'll respond with physical contact by picking them up and holding them until they're calm.
Note: You won't hold your child until they fall asleep, but rather until they calm down. Once they're calm, you can put them back down in their crib.
How to Use Pick-up Put-down Method
To start the pickup, put down technique, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Look out for your baby's sleepy signals, such as yawning, eye-rubbing, and fussiness.
STEP 2: Place your baby in their cot while they're feeling drowsy but still awake.
STEP 3: If your baby cries, pick them up and comfort them with a soothing "shhh" sound until they stop crying. Then, put them down.
STEP 4: Repeat this process of picking them up and comforting them if they get upset. Eventually, your baby will understand that you'll put them down once they're calm, and they'll learn to fall asleep on their own. They'll start to associate the "shhh" sound with sleep, so if they wake up, the sound alone should be enough to soothe them.
Remember that it's much easier and more effective to try this method when your baby is already feeling sleepy.
How Long Does Pick-Up Put-Down Method Take to Work?
The Pick Up Put Down method can take between 5 days to 3 weeks to see consistent changes. However, on average, it's closer to 2-3 weeks. The time it takes for this method to work can vary depending on your child's temperament and your ability to maintain consistency.
Here are a few tips to help you succeed with the pickup, put-down method:
- Make sure your child is on a consistent sleep routine, and that their bedtime is appropriate for their age.
- Start with a relaxing wind-down routine before you begin the sleep training. This will help your baby feel calm and ready for sleep.
- Before you start the training, make sure you as the parent are well-rested. You'll need the energy to see the process through to the end.
- Pay attention to your baby's sounds. If they're just fussing, give them a little time and space to see if they can settle down on their own before you intervene.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help from someone else. Tracy, the creator of this method, even admits that it can be "darn hard" and taxing for one parent to do it alone. Having a partner or friend to support you can make all the difference.
Pros & Cons
Pick Up Put Down is a slow method that may suit parents who prefer to see results sooner than the "Fading" approach. It has its advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consider your child's temperament to determine if it's a good fit.
Pros:
- A parent can provide comfort to the child throughout the process
- Parents can stay in the room with their child the entire time
- Provides more structure than a "no-cry" method like “Fading”, while still being flexible
Cons:
- Physically demanding for the parent, especially during the initial stages
- Night wakings may last over two hours and require more than 100 pick-ups, making it difficult to maintain consistently
- Some children may become frustrated with the method, leading to a difficult experience for both the parent and the child
- Challenging to implement consistently if other children in the household require attention during nap time
- The specific timing and duration of pick-ups may be confusing for the parent.
In summary, the Pick Up Put Down method is a gentle sleep training method that can help your baby learn to fall asleep on their own. It requires patience and consistency, but it can be a good fit for parents who prefer a slower approach to sleep training. While the method has its pros and cons, it's important to consider your child's temperament and your ability to maintain consistency before deciding to try it. Ultimately, the goal is to find a sleep training method that works best for both you and your baby. If you're interested in exploring other sleep training methods, be sure to check out the article "Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights: The 5 Best Sleep Training Methods for Your Baby."
We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with a better understanding of the Pick Up Put Down method for sleep training your baby. Remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Take your time and be patient with the process, and don't hesitate to ask for support from loved ones. Wishing you and your little one restful nights and sweet dreams!