10 Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Sleep Training
- bharathi24
- Aug 1
- 4 min read

Imagine this: It’s 2:30 a.m. in your cosy Singapore flat. You’re rocking your baby for what feels like the third or fourth time tonight, whispering lullabies while watching the minutes on the clock tick by. Your eyes are heavy. You glance at your partner, who’s half-asleep on the couch. You both sigh. Again.
Sound familiar?
Hi, I’m Debra, your certified Sleep Sense™ consultant based here in Singapore, and I’ve been right there with you — as a mum and as an infant sleep trainer. If you're wondering when is the right time to start sleep training a baby, you're not alone. Many parents I work with ask the same question:
"How do I know my baby is ready for sleep training?"
The good news? There are signs — clear, encouraging signs — that tell us your baby is developmentally and emotionally ready to start sleeping independently.
Let’s talk about baby sleep readiness in a gentle, loving, and informed way.
💡 What Is Sleep Training a Baby?
Sleep training a baby simply means helping your child learn to fall asleep — and stay asleep — without needing to be rocked, fed, or held. It doesn’t mean leaving them alone to cry for hours (a common misconception). At Lullabub Sleepers, we believe in gentle, evidence-based methods that prioritize your baby’s emotional and physical well-being.
As an infant sleep trainer in Singapore, my approach always begins with ensuring the baby is ready — physically, developmentally, and emotionally.
🍼 10 Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Sleep Training
1. They Can Self-Soothe (Even Just a Little!)
Babies who occasionally suck their fingers, rub their cheeks, or turn their head to the side are beginning to show self-soothing behaviour. These signs mean they’re developing the skill to settle themselves, a key part of baby sleep readiness.
2. They Are Gaining Weight Consistently
One major green light for sleep training a baby is weight stability. Most doctors agree that babies over 5.5kg or 12 lbs with no feeding concerns are physically ready to sleep longer stretches.
3. Night Feeds Are Becoming Habitual
If your baby is waking every 1–2 hours to feed but only drinks a little, it could be out of habit, not hunger. This is a strong sign they’re ready to transition to better sleep habits.
4. Your Baby Is Between 4–6 Months Old
Many sleep experts (and experienced infant sleep trainers) agree that 4 to 6 months is a great window to start sleep training. That’s when many babies are neurologically ready for longer, consolidated sleep.
5. You’re Seeing Consistent Naps (Even if They’re Short)
If your baby has started showing some form of a nap routine — morning, midday, or afternoon — that’s a promising sign of natural rhythm. And rhythm is crucial when sleep training a baby.
6. You Have a Sleep Space Set Up
Whether it’s a crib or a cot beside your bed, having a dedicated sleep space helps reinforce sleep associations. It's an underrated but important part of baby sleep readiness.
7. Your Routine is Calming Down
Has the chaos of returning to work subsided? Are you getting the hang of your baby’s feeding schedule? If yes, your home might finally have the calm environment needed for gentle sleep training.
8. You Feel Frazzled, Tired, and Inconsistent
Yes, that too is a sign. If you and your partner feel burnt out and unsure of what to do next, it may be time to work with a certified infant sleep trainer who can create a consistent, loving plan that works.
9. Your Baby is Otherwise Healthy
No colds, teething issues, or travel disruptions? Then it’s the perfect time to start sleep training a baby in a smooth, gentle way.
10. You’re Ready for Change
If you’re here, reading this blog, thinking “I need help,” — that’s a sign in itself. Because when you’re ready, your baby will sense it too.
🧸 Gentle Sleep Training in Singapore: Why It Works
At Lullabub Sleepers, I’ve helped hundreds of families in Singapore transition from exhaustion to empowerment through gentle sleep training. My job isn’t just to support your baby — it’s to support you.
When we talk about baby sleep readiness, we talk about more than just the baby. We talk about your mental health, your relationships, your work-life balance. We tailor sleep solutions around your lifestyle here in Singapore.
Because you deserve sleep too.
📣 Explore Sleep Training Services That Work for You
Ready to get a full night’s sleep again?
Whether your baby is four months or fourteen months, you don’t have to do this alone. As a certified infant sleep trainer in Singapore, I’ll guide you with empathy, confidence, and a plan that actually works.
👉 Explore our Services Page Let’s find a gentle sleep solution that works for your family — without tears, fear, or guilt.
💬 Final Thoughts from Debra
If your baby shows even a few of the signs listed above, now might be the ideal time to begin sleep training a baby gently and effectively. I know it can feel overwhelming — but with the right guidance and timing, you’ll be amazed at what your little one can do.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.
FAQs
How do I know my baby is ready for sleep training?
If your baby is around 4–6 months old, has reached a healthy weight, can self-soothe, and there’s a consistent routine at home, these are strong indicators of baby sleep readiness. An infant sleep trainer can help assess your child’s unique sleep patterns to ensure you begin at the right time.
What are self-soothing behaviors in babies?
Self-soothing behaviors include sucking fingers, turning the head away, or rubbing their eyes. These signs indicate baby sleep readiness and signal that sleep training a baby might be more successful without significant resistance.
What age should sleep training begin?
Most experts recommend sleep training a baby between 4 and 6 months old, when nighttime feeds reduce and baby sleep readiness becomes more obvious. Consult an infant sleep trainer if you’re unsure about your baby’s timing.
Should I sleep train if my baby is going through a regression?
It’s often best to wait until regressions pass before sleep training a baby. Regressions can mask true baby sleep readiness. Once things stabilize, an infant sleep trainer can help you move forward gently.
Is sleep training safe for my baby?
Yes, when done appropriately and with consideration for baby sleep readiness, it is safe. Using a certified infant sleep trainer in Singapore ensures your approach aligns with your baby’s development and emotional needs.
Comments