Pick Up Put Down Method: How to Help Your Newborn Sleep

How do you put a newborn to sleep? Shouldn’t they just close their eyes and…..go to sleep!?

In this blog, we are teaching you the Pick Up Put Down method that you can use from Day 1 to help your newborn fall asleep. Postpartum is hard enough as it is, and sleep is crucial for everyone’s health and recovery during the early days of caring for a newborn. Your newborn CAN learn to sleep, and we are here to help.

What is the Pick Up Put Down Method?

Before we dive into explaining Pick Up Put Down (PUPD), let's address a few key questions first

First things first: What exactly is the PUPD method, and what age group is it best suited for?

The PUPD method is an approach designed to help your newborn drift off to sleep with the comforting presence of their caregiver. While we refer to it as a sleep training technique, it’s important to note that PUPD is a tool used during the broader sleep training process—and we don’t recommend formal sleep training for newborns.

The PUPD method is especially helpful for newborns, as young infants are unable to self-soothe and need ALL the help to fall asleep.

This method is designed to help soothe your newborn (0 to 15 weeks old) to sleep with ease. Begin by incorporating this technique during nap time or bedtime.

Start by ensuring your baby is calm and comfortable: change their diaper and, if they use one, offer a pacifier. This often helps settle your little one.

Next, gently lay your baby in their crib or bassinet. With the Pick Up Put Down Method, observe your baby closely. If they remain calm, let them rest peacefully in the crib. However, if your baby begins to get restless or fussy, gently pick them up to help them settle. You can use soothing techniques such as swaddling, rocking, shushing, or gentle patting to calm them down.

Once they are calm again, carefully lay them back in their crib or bassinet. Ideally, they will now be drowsy and ready to drift off to sleep.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for their sleeping environment?

To prepare your baby’s sleeping environment, aim to create a calm and soothing space. If possible, close the blinds to darken the room and minimize distractions. A dark, quiet environment helps signal to your little one that it’s time to sleep.

We also highly recommend using your Rest device to provide gentle white noise or soothing sounds. This can help drown out any outside noises and create a consistent, comforting atmosphere in their nursery.

Should my newborn use a pacifier?

Every baby is unique, and so is every pacifier! We encourage you to try out different pacifiers to see if there is one that works well for your little one —patience is key. At first, your baby may resist the pacifier, but don’t be discouraged. Try offering it a few times, and you might find they’re ready to take it and latch.

Remember, the Pick Up Put Down (PUPD) method is a process, not an instant solution. It may take some time and consistency, but the results are worth the effort.

If you feel more comfortable starting small, consider trying PUPD once a day—perhaps in the morning when your baby is naturally a bit sleepier. Starting with manageable steps can help you build confidence and routine.

The PUPD method is a wonderful way to teach your newborn how to sleep independently in their own space. Rest assured, sleep can be achievable right from the start, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!