Pick up/put down with a 6 month old

[MamamamaT]

Hi, hoping for some advice from those which experience of something similar! Have just started Tracey Hogg's pick up/put down method with my 6mo, starting with naps. I think it's a great method but DS is not behaving how he's supposed to he will be obviously tired, and about 2 hours since last waking, I'll put him in the cot to start PU/PD method, in sleeping bag, curtains drawn, quiet voice etc... and then... he just stays awake! Either a) he stays awake relatively happy by himself for upwards of an hour or b) he gets upset as soon as I leave the room but is happy as soon as I return, I don't need to pick him up, but he'll just smile, kick his legs etc, looking about a million miles away from going to sleep! He could stay awake all day like this and I don't know quite how to tackle it. I feel like the only way to get him tired enough for it to work is to either leave him crying a lot so he's really upset and more sleepy (which obviously I'd rather not and is not part of the method) or keep him up downstairs until he's practically asleep, then bring him up - but even this way it's poss he wakes himself fully by the time we're in his room. And of course risk him getting v overtired. Has anyone had anything similar?

From the mum of one very happy, but very wide awake boy!

2 hours sounds a tiny bit short for awake time.
I think at 6 months I was doing
7am wake
9.30-10.15 nap
12.45-3.15 nap
6.30 bed

6 months is quite hit and miss for babies ability to comprehend and decide what to do. They are still very reactionary and basic impulse driven but I think doing these sorts of things set you up for a month or two down the line when babies really start to understand what’s going on around them. So setting expectations now. But I’m firmly of the ‘simple clear communication’ method of put down and walk away. I always wonder does it not confuse babies if you keep picking them up like you’re about to spend time with them. Going in and reassuring is different, you can do that quickly and with clear communication then out again.

Ah, I thought it was just mine that did this! And when he went in to a bed, I tried putting him down and then sitting near the door... and he just came and sat beside me quite cheerfully!

So absolutely no advice, sorry! I just gave up and kept cuddling him to sleep. They're only small once, and I don't know any adults who still get cuddled to sleep by their mums!

Tbh both pick up put down and “reassuring” in the cot have always resulted in escalating rage from my 8mo so I’m quite impressed by your baby’s awake and happy mood!

Bless. He sounds like a lovely little chap. Awake times are tricky, my 7mo still needs a nap every two hours! Is the room dark?

Thanks all! The room isn't very dark to be honest even with the curtains drawn, but yesterday we had success! Two naps and the start of the night in the cot! He did wake up after about half an hour with both of the daytime naps which could have been wind or something, but I'm really happy with that. Currently attempting day two, just going to let him grizzle for a bit. I think part of the problem was him not knowing what was expected so hopefully it will now get progressively easier. Only other problem is that when DH tried last night he said he didn't stop crying even when he picked him up but that might be because he's a bit useless !----

Well that'll teach me for being smug - back to square one today with DS never getting sleepy enough to drop off! Argh!

Did he expend more energy yesterday? Did he have a quiet morning today that didn't leave him as tired?

That's a good point Reagan, maybe I need to look at the overall pattern of the day more - Hogg does go on about the importance of the whole day's "structured routine" a lot. I think now DS knows the drill for naps it's getting easier, but we're still having the awake problem sometimes. He IS always tired which is the prob. Anyway, we'll work on it. Good luck to all of you!