Villa Bimbi uses various sleeping methods that are tailored to the developmental age of your little one. All our methods are based on a gentle parenting vision. This means that we never let the little ones cry it out, but look at the reason behind their behavior.

The method that Villa Bimbi recommends for babies between 4 and 10 months is the Pick Up / Put Down method in combination with the Shush Pat method. In this blog you can read more about the Pick Up / Put Down method. If you want to know more about the Shush Pat method (for little ones between 0 – 8 months), read our blog: Sleepmethod 0 – 8 months.

Before you get started with the Pick Up / Put Down method, it is important that your little one’s sleeping environment fits his needs. Do you want to know where your little one sleeps best? Then read our blog: Where does my baby sleep best. The Pick Up / Put Down method gives your little one the opportunity to learn to fall asleep independently in a relaxed state. You give him the space to learn how to self-sooth, but also give him the closeness he needs. All this without letting him cry in a controlled manner, but only using gentle parenting methods.

De 6 steps of the Pick Up / Put Down method

1. Start the Wind Down ritual
   • Start his wind down ritual for at least 15 minutes (If you want to know what a wind down ritual is, read our blog: ‘How do I help my baby to relax before going to sleep‘). When you notice that he is starting to relax, lay your little one in his bed. Make sure you pop him to bed while he is still awake. By the use of the Shush Pat method you can make the transfer from your arms to the bed more easily and you will be able to continue with this method while your little one is laying down (if you want to know what the shush pat method is, read our blog: ‘Sleepmethod 0-8 months‘). In addition, make sure that you first lay down his feet and then his head. This is to counteract the Moro reflex as much as possible. If you see that he is relaxed or sleeping, you can leave the room.
2. Return after 100 seconds if he becomes restless
   • When he gets restless or starts to cry, go back into his room after 100 seconds.
3. Use your voice and the shush pat method
   • Stand or sit next to his bed and calm him with your voice and the use of the pat method. Don’t force him to stay in the same position.
4. Take him out if he is still crying
   • If he is still crying after another 100 seconds, get him out of bed and use the shush pat method to calm him down. Don’t try to rock him. If you find yourself doing it unconsciously, you can also put him over your shoulder.
5. Lay him down when he becomes relaxed in your arms
   • Pop him back into bed as soon as you feel he is relaxed (but awake). If he is still crying in your arms after 4 to 5 minutes, lay him down anyway. He may now need space for himself.
6. Repeat the steps above until he sleeps and leave the room..