Learn about the Pick Up Put Down sleep training method and how it might be a good fit for you and your baby.
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In this article, I'll be sharing about the gentle, yet effective, Pick Up Put Down (PUPD) sleep training method, and how it might be a good fit for you and your baby. The PUPD sleep training method is one such approach that can help your baby learn healthy sleep habits while still providing the comfort and closeness of a parent present.
What Is the Pick Up Put Down Method?
As a parent, I totally understand how important good sleep habits are for babies. When I started sleep training my son around 5 months old, I chose the PUPD method because it seemed like a gentler way of teaching him the skills he needed.
It involved putting him in his crib when he was drowsy but not fully asleep. When he would cry, I would then pick him up and comfort him until he was calm before putting him back into his crib. I would stay in his room but far enough where he couldn't see me.
When he would cry again, I would pick him up and soothe him until he stopped crying and then would put him down in his crib again. This cycle was repeated until he would fall asleep, which at first took anywhere from an hour, then minutes, and eventually no time. And if he woke up in the middle of the night, I would change and/or feed him as necessary, and then repeat the PUPD cycle again.
I felt that this continuity of care helped my son feel secure and set him up for success with sleep training. By 7 months old, he was sleeping 10-12 hours per night.
Tips For Successful Sleep Training Using The PUPD Method
If you're using the PUPD method, here are some tips that may help make the process smoother:
• Be consistent – try not to skip any nights where possible;
• Put your baby to sleep in the same place each time (i.e., the crib);
• Use white noise machines at nap times/nighttime (we just played ocean waves on our Echo Dot);
• Use blackout curtains during nap times/nighttime;
• Choose a soothing routine before bed – such as reading a book, singing a lullaby softly; and
• Try not to intervene too quickly – give your little one a several seconds or even a minute to fuss or cry a little to see if they will self-soothe.
The Wrap Up
Each week, my son began sleeping longer chunks of time at night. First 6 hours, then 8 hours, and eventually 10-12 hours per night! If after a few weeks of doing this particular approach it doesn’t appear successful, then don’t hesitate contacting sleep training professionals for further tailored advice specific for your baby. Good luck & happy sleeping!