Pick-Up, Put-Down: A Gentle Sleep Training Method for Babies
Parents seeking to teach their baby to sleep independently may consider the Pick-Up, Put-Down (PUPD) method. This technique, popularised by 'Baby Whisperer' Tracy Hogg, involves briefly comforting a crying baby before returning them to their crib. However, it's crucial to note that sleep training should not begin until a baby is at least four months old.
The PUPD method aims to help babies learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. When a baby cries or fusses, the caregiver picks them up, offering comfort until they calm down. Once the baby is quiet, they are gently placed back into their crib, awake but drowsy. This process is repeated until the baby falls asleep independently. Consistency is key, and all caregivers should follow the same routine.
Elizabeth Pantley, author of 'The No-Cry Sleep Solution', also advocates for gentle sleep training methods, although the PUPD method is more closely associated with Tracy Hogg. Pantley's book offers a broader range of tear-free sleep strategies, while Hogg's 'Secrets of the Baby Whisperer' provides detailed guidance on the PUPD technique.
The Pick-Up, Put-Down method, popularised by Tracy Hogg, is a gentle sleep training technique that encourages babies to learn to fall asleep independently. It should not be attempted with babies under four months old, and consistency is vital for success. For detailed guidance, Tracy Hogg's 'Secrets of the Baby Whisperer' is a recommended resource.
