Are you struggling to find the perfect way to soothe your babies tosleep? Don’t worry. You are not alone. At present, it is everyparent’s daily dilemma. There are lots of techniques you can tryon your end. But among them, the most recommended is the pickup put down method. It’s a unique approach wherein you literallypick up the crying baby and put them down once settled.
In this guide, we will delve into the highlights, benefits, andtutorials involving this self-soothing technique. We’ll also suggestsome smart devices, like the sound machine clock, that you canuse as well in this regard. Read on to learn more.

Introducing a Gentler Alternative: What Is It?
As indicated earlier, there are lots of sleep training methods youcan try to incorporate. However, many parents refuse to considerthose options that include extensive crying or stringent routines. Worry not. If you’re one of them, a gentler alternative you can tryis the pick up put down method. It is a specialized sleep-trainingtechnique popularized by Tracy Hogg, a famous British nurse whowrote Secrets of the Baby Whisperer.
How the Pick Up Put Down Method Works: A Step-By-StepGuide
The pick up put down method doesn’t require extravagantgestures or movements. Since its purpose is simply to keepindependence and comfort in the right proportion, the steps arevery easy. Do you want to give it a try? If that is so, then checkout the short guide written below.
Step 1: When your baby starts to fuss, don’t pick them upimmediately. Wait and observe for a few minutes. Give them a chance to settle on their own.
Step 2: Let’s say your baby continues to cry. At this point, goahead and pick them up gently.
Step 3: Soothe them in ways of your choice. You can pat theirback or rock them softly until they fall asleep.
Step 4: Once the baby feels at ease, gently put them back in theircrib. Repeat the same series of steps when needed.
The Philosophy Behind the Pick Up Put Down Method
It is not that hard to understand the philosophy behind the pick upput down method. Generally, this technique revolves aroundbalance and responsiveness. While encouraging independence, pick up pick down method still prioritizes the baby’s natural needfor comfort. Rather than letting the baby fuss and cry out, it givesparents a chance to intervene by carrying their baby. This partintends to show reassurance.
Meanwhile, parents place the baby back in the crib when theyfinally relax and fall asleep. That simple gesture introducesindependence. It may seem very simple and plain. But somehow, doing the pickup put down method repeatedly helps your babycreate a routine and grasp the purpose for it.
Who is the Pick Up Put Down Method Best Suited For?
The pick up put down method is designed for parents who prefergentle and calm sleep-training methods. These are parents who arewilling to give time, extend patience, and stay consistent for a good while. Do you have these parenting qualities? If that’s thecase, then the pick up put down method is perfect for you.
On the one hand, the pick up put down method is best for babiesbetween four and eight months. It is the specific range of agewhere little ones start to learn self-soothing while still seekingparental closeness and assurance. Try it for a little while and seethe results. Who knows? It might give you an effective outcome inthis respect.
Understanding the Subtle Cues and Cries of Your Little Ones
We all know that infants communicate with us through sound andgesture. If you learn the meaning of them, then you can makegood use of the pick up put down method. To get started, checkout the list below and keep the items in mind.
- The baby’s cry that implies hunger often kicks off as fussingbefore becoming a loud wailing.
- The baby’s cry that signals discomfort sounds a little whiny. Sometimes, the baby squirms or bends to communicate itmore.
- At times, babies cry to tell their parents that they are tired. It isoften accompanied by eye rubbing and continuous yawning.
- A high-pitched baby cry means overstimulation most of thetime.
Navigating the Challenges: Patience is the Key
The pick up put down method is a simple technique you can easilypractice. However, it also comes with certain struggles. Forinstance, your baby might fuss and cry for a long time, even afterbeing carried for several minutes. You might get tired at somepoint, especially if the same scenario comes along morefrequently.
Therefore, patience is the ultimate key to a successful pick up putdown technique. You can build a connection and instill comfort inyour little ones if this technique is combined with patience. On topof that, you can use devices like the Momcozy’s Smart BabySound Machine to soothe your baby faster. Playing calmingsounds is also effective in this regard.
Pros and Cons of the Pick Up Put Down Method
While the pick up put down method is often helpful, it is still farfrom perfect. This technique might have some limitations that mayaffect you based on your situation. To familiarize yourself withthem, check out the list written below.
Pros
- It offers self-soothing and parental support at once.
- It helps your baby recognize the crib as a safe place.
- It builds trust and a bond between the two of you.
- It is a gentle yet effective alternative to other methods.
Cons
- It consumes a lot of time compared to other techniques.
- The result is not always instantaneous.
- It’s not recommended for older babies.
- It requires long-term consistency and strong patience.
The Road to Independent Sleep: A Long-Term View
Truly, the pick up put down method is not just a quick fix. It’sactually a stepping stone towards a great sleeping routine for yourlittle ones. Once your baby learns the value of assurance andindependence, this great sleeping pattern can persist beyondinfancy. That’s why you should not hesitate to give this techniquea try. In the long run, the bond and connection you’re able to buildtogether will be very useful in the near future.
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.





