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How to Use the Pick-Up Put-Down Sleep Training Method for Babies (0-4 Months)
Ashley Abramson
The pick-up put-down method is a gentle sleep training technique designed for babies aged 0-4 months. It involves picking your baby up to soothe them, then putting them down when calm — without feeding or rocking them to sleep. This method helps babies learn to self-soothe while still feeling supported.
The hazy newborn days, magical as they can be, can also be straight-up exhausting. At this early age, your baby is still dependent on caregivers for comfort, which can lead to frequent (and frustrating) wake-ups. Still, the newborn phase is too early to implement a schedule — just when you think you’re used to baby’s habits, they change again.
If you’re at your wit’s end with sleep deprivation, implementing a simple routine can help everyone get the Zzzs they need. One of our favorite strategies for helping babies sleep is the pick-up put-down method. Rather than feeding or rocking baby to sleep, this method teaches your little one how to fall asleep on their own — all the while offering the comfort they need to feel safe and secure as they rest.
Below, learn more about the best way to help a baby sleep independently and set the stage for healthy sleep habits as baby grows.
How to use the pick-up put-down method for newborns
The pick-up put-down method is a simple-but-effective tool to help a baby fall asleep on their own, without relying on feeding or rocking from an adult. Along with providing comfort babies need at an early age, the method gently helps babies learn how to sleep independently, so everyone in the home can get better rest. The key is to put your baby in their crib or bassinet while they are calm, but still awake.
Want to try out the pick-up put-down method for yourself? It may help to incorporate the method into one nap time a day, then slowly incorporate it into more sleep sessions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the pick-up put-down method for newborns:
- First, ensure your baby is calm and comfortable. Change their diaper and offer a pacifier, if they use one.
- If you have a Hatch Rest, choose a soothing sleep sound to create a calm environment and help block out noise that can interrupt baby’s sleep.
- Next, gently lay your baby in their crib or bassinet.
- Observe your baby closely. If they remain calm, let them rest, and quietly leave the area.
- If they begin to get restless or fussy, gently pick them up to help them settle, using soothing techniques such as swaddling, rocking, shushing, or gentle patting. Try not to feed your baby, so they don’t begin to rely on feeding for rest.
- Once they are calm again, carefully lay them back in their crib or bassinet while they’re still awake. Ideally, they will be calm and ready for sleep.
- Repeat the process as needed.
What age is best for the pick-up put-down method?
You can use the pick-up put-down method with any baby who needs a bit of extra help falling and staying asleep during nap or bedtime. This method can be especially helpful for newborns (0 to 15 weeks old), as young infants are unable to self-soothe (and need all the help falling asleep).
How long does the pick-up put-down sleep method take?
Every baby is different. As with any sleep strategy, the pick-up put-down method is a process, not an instant solution. Ideally, over time, your baby will learn how to self-soothe, so they can fall and stay asleep on their own. Pairing the pick-up put-down method with other sleep tools can help support your baby on their path to healthy, independent sleep. For example, you may choose to do storytime and swaddling before every nap while you play comforting womb sounds (yes, that’s a thing!) on your Hatch Rest.
How long should my newborn be sleeping?
In general, most newborns need about 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. Newborns typically wake up every few hours to eat. Newborn babies cycle through light sleep and deep sleep in increments of about 45 minutes.
Some babies start to sleep longer stretches around five or six months of age, but again: Every baby is unique. Implementing a consistent routine, such as playing comforting lullabies on your Hatch Rest and cuddling before nap and bedtime, can help your baby develop a more consistent sleep schedule (and buy you more shut-eye in the process).
Can I use the pick-up put-down method with a 3-week old?
Yes, you can use the pick-up put-down method with a 3-week-old baby. This method is designed to teach younger babies, between 0-15 weeks, how to self-soothe and get used to falling asleep on their own.
Final summary: Using the pick-up put-down method with a newborn
Newborn sleep is a marathon, not a sprint. One of the best ways to support your baby’s sleep is to teach them how to self-soothe, so they can fall asleep independently at nap time and bedtime (and fall back asleep when they stir). The pick-up put-down method is one way to help your baby develop important sleep skills, while still offering the comfort babies need at a young age.
