My Take On The Baby Whisperer Sleep Training

Review of Tracey Hogg's Sleep Philosophy in "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer"

Tracey Hogg’s “Secrets of the Baby Whisperer” has become a staple resource for many parents seeking a balanced and intuitive approach to infant care and sleep training.

Her methods stand apart from more rigid approaches by focusing on a baby’s individual cues and natural rhythms rather than imposing strict schedules.

Central to Hogg’s philosophy is the idea that babies are unique and can be gently guided into routines that respect their developmental needs. She encourages parents to listen to their baby’s cues and develop a deeper understanding of their child.

Overview of the E.A.S.Y. Routine

At the heart of Tracey Hogg’s method is the E.A.S.Y. routine, an acronym that stands for Eat, Activity, Sleep, and You time.

This routine helps parents establish a predictable flow to the day, encouraging babies to thrive on consistency while allowing enough flexibility to meet individual needs.

E: Eat

This stage involves feeding the baby, either through breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Hogg emphasizes the importance of feeding a baby when they are hungry, rather than sticking to strict times. Babies need proper nutrition to stay calm and well-rested, so feeding is a key part of the E.A.S.Y. cycle.

A: ACTIVITY

After feeding, the baby engages in some form of activity. This can vary depending on the baby’s age and development. For newborns, activity may be as simple as a bit of tummy time or visual stimulation, while older babies might play with toys or interact with their surroundings. Hogg stresses the importance of keeping babies awake and engaged after eating so that they do not associate feeding with sleep.

S: SLEEP

Once the baby has been stimulated and is beginning to show signs of tiredness, it’s time for sleep. The cycle of feeding, activity, and sleep promotes healthy sleep habits, as babies begin to develop natural rhythms. Hogg’s method avoids the mistake of letting babies fall asleep during feeding, helping them to learn to fall asleep independently.

Y: YOU TIME

The final part of the routine is often overlooked in other parenting philosophies: parents need time to rest and recharge. “You time” is a built-in opportunity for parents to take care of themselves, whether it’s grabbing a quick nap, getting household tasks done, or simply relaxing.

Unlike rigid schedules, the E.A.S.Y. method is adaptable. Parents are encouraged to follow the sequence of events, rather than adhering strictly to the clock. Hogg believes that by repeating this cycle throughout the day, parents can develop a consistent routine that benefits both baby and parent.

The Pick Up/Put Down Method (PU/PD)

One of the most discussed aspects of Hogg’s sleep philosophy is her Pick Up/Put Down (PU/PD) method, which is a gentler alternative to the “cry it out sleep training” approach often used in sleep training.

The PU/PD method is designed to help babies between 4-8 months old, learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep independently, without parents resorting to letting the baby cry for extended periods of time.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1

When the baby starts to cry or fuss in the crib, the parent gently picks them up to comfort them. The goal is to calm the baby down but not let them fall asleep in the parent’s arms.

Step 2

Once the baby has calmed down, the parent puts the baby back in the crib, even if the baby hasn’t fallen asleep. If the baby starts to cry again, the parent repeats the process: picking them up, calming them, and putting them back down.

Step 3

The parent continues this process as many times as needed until the baby falls asleep on their own in the crib.

The PU/PD method allows babies to learn to fall asleep independently without feeling abandoned, as the parent is always nearby to offer comfort. Over time, babies become more adept at soothing themselves and falling asleep without needing to be picked up repeatedly.

Benefits of Tracey Hogg’s Methods

Hogg acknowledges that parents need rest too. The built-in “you time” helps prevent parental burnout, promoting a better overall family dynamic.

1. Gentle Approach

Hogg’s methods are gentler than many traditional sleep training techniques, making them a good option for parents who are uncomfortable with letting their babies do “cry it out sleep training.” Her approach respects the baby’s needs and developmental cues.

2. Encourages Self-soothing

The PU/PD method is intended to help babies develop the important skill of self-soothing. This is beneficial in the long run, as it teaches babies to fall asleep independently and stay asleep through the night.

3. Flexible routine

The E.A.S.Y. routine is adaptable to the baby’s needs and can evolve as the baby grows. It doesn’t adhere to rigid scheduling, which many parents appreciate, especially those with unpredictable days.

4. Promotes Healthy Sleep Patterns

By establishing a predictable rhythm, babies can develop healthier sleep habits. The separation of feeding from sleep encourages babies to fall asleep on their own, which helps prevent dependency on feeding as a sleep cue.

Let’s Get Your Child Sleeping Through The Night

Just think, in as little as 1 to 3 days, you may ALL be sleeping better through the night!

Challenges of Tracey Hogg’s Methods

The PU/PD method isn’t suitable for every baby. While some respond well, I have found the majority become increasingly distressed when they’re picked up only to be put back down shortly after. Babies who become more agitated by this pattern may end up with heightened emotions and struggle to self-soothe.

1. Time Consuming

The PU/PD method can be time-consuming, as parents may need to repeat the process several times before the baby falls asleep. For some parents, especially those who are exhausted, this can be frustrating.

2. Requires Consistency

Success with Hogg’s methods requires a high level of consistency. Parents must be patient and committed to following the routine and method for it to work effectively. This can be difficult for parents with unpredictable schedules or other children to care for.

3. Not Immediate Results

The results of the PU/PD method are not instantaneous. Some parents may find that it takes longer for their baby to adjust to falling asleep on their own compared to more traditional methods.

Biblical Perspective on Gentle Parenting and Routine

We love that Tracey Hogg’s approach aligns with biblical principles of gentle guidance and care. In Proverbs 22:6 (NLT), we are reminded, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” This verse emphasizes the importance of setting a consistent foundation for our children, which is what the E.A.S.Y. routine aims to do. By creating predictable rhythms and routines, we help guide our babies toward healthy habits that they will carry with them as they grow.

Additionally, Hogg’s emphasis on “You Time” for parents echoes the biblical principle of rest. As Matthew 11:28 (NLT) says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Hogg reminds parents that they also need time to recharge so that they can better care for their children, which aligns with the Christian understanding that rest is essential to well-being.

Finally, the Pick Up/Put Down method is intended to reflect the biblical value of compassion and patience in parenting. Colossians 3:21 (NLT) states, “Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.” Hogg’s method, while intended to comfort the baby while teaching self-soothing, often can do the opposite and lead to more frustration or emotional distress. For this reason, we do not often recommend this part or Tracey’s approach for every family.

Final Thoughts from a Gentle Sleep Training Coach

Tracey Hogg’s approach, as outlined in *Secrets of the Baby Whisperer*, has brought many parents a gentler way to establish routines and encourage self-soothing, primarily through her E.A.S.Y. routine and Pick Up/Put Down (PU/PD) method.

Hogg’s focus on understanding a baby’s cues and creating a flexible structure resonates with parents who want a nurturing, responsive approach to sleep. However, from a gentle sleep training consultant’s perspective, while Hogg’s methods may be suitable for some families, they can pose significant challenges, and thus we often do not recommend the PU/PD approach due to its limitations in practice.

The E.A.S.Y. routine provides a beneficial framework by introducing predictable structure to a baby’s day, supporting them in establishing consistent eating, activity, and sleep patterns. Separating feeding from sleep is particularly valuable for preventing sleep associations, such as needing to be nursed or fed to fall asleep. This routine, when followed consistently, helps babies begin to expect and adapt to their daily cycles, allowing both parents and babies to benefit from smoother transitions throughout the day. Hogg’s inclusion of “You time” within this structure is also invaluable for parents who need moments to recharge, as their mental and physical well-being is essential for providing the best care.

However, the PU/PD method, while well-intentioned as an alternative to “cry it out” methods, is not suitable for every child or family. From experience, we find that the majority of babies struggle with the repeated lifting and lowering inherent in PU/PD, which can escalate rather than calm their emotions. This increased agitation often leads to heightened distress, making it more challenging for the baby to settle independently. This approach may inadvertently create a sleep association between being held and comforted, causing setbacks for families trying to encourage independent sleep habits. In these cases, a gentler approach that focuses on in-crib soothing techniques, like light touches, gentle patting, or comforting words, can be much more effective in teaching self-soothing.

Additionally, PU/PD can be time-consuming and exhausting for parents. It requires a high level of patience, consistency, and stamina, as it may take weeks or even months to achieve the desired results. This prolonged commitment is often unfeasible for families already dealing with the challenges of sleep deprivation, especially when quicker, gentle sleep solutions are available. Given these factors, Hogg’s approach may not be the best fit for parents seeking faster progress in establishing their baby’s independent sleep.

What Makes Sleep Training Different

At Fabulous Sleep Consulting, we aim to adapt gentle sleep strategies to suit each family’s unique needs. By partnering with a sleep consultant, parents receive tailored guidance and support, ensuring that methods align with both the baby’s temperament and the family’s goals. For those considering Hogg’s methods, working with a sleep consultant provides the flexibility to modify approaches and explore alternatives if certain methods prove ineffective.

While Hogg’s approach has merit, particularly in emphasizing routine and responsiveness, the PU/PD method may not yield success for most families. A personalized and adaptable plan, supported by expert guidance, is often the best route to fostering healthy, independent sleep habits in a way that feels manageable and comforting for everyone involved.

You're not alone Mama

If you are in the thick of it, just know that you aren’t alone. Every struggle you face is preparing you for something bigger. Hang in there, mama—you’ve got this!

If you’re tired of all the searching, tried other methods that have failed, and you’re looking for someone to hold your hand through the sleep training process, consider booking a call with one of our sleep consultants. We use a more gentle approach versus leaving your little one to cry and typically get results in as little as the first 1-3 days!

Book a call by clicking the link below to see how we can help you.

Author Christina Fabritiis is a pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Fabulous Sleep Solutions, based in the San Tan Valley and Queen Creek area of Arizona. She works with families locally and nationally to help babies, children, teens, and adults get the sleep they need. Learn more about sleep training at: fabuloussleepsolutions.com