The Ideal Baby Sleep Schedule by Age (0–12 Months)
- bharathi24
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Picture this: it’s 2:00 a.m. in Singapore, your newborn is wide awake, and you’re swaying, rocking, and humming every lullaby you know. You check your phone and wonder, “Is this normal? Should my baby be sleeping more?”
Hi, I’m Debra, a certified Sleep Sense consultant and infant sleep trainer in Singapore, and I hear this question almost daily from parents. Babies don’t come with instruction manuals, but they do thrive with structure. Having a clear baby sleep schedule by age not only helps your little one sleep through the night but also brings back peace and rest to your home.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ideal baby sleep schedule from 0 to 12 months, so you can approach bedtime with confidence.
Why a Baby Sleep Schedule Matters
A baby sleep schedule is more than just a routine; it’s a tool for healthy growth. Proper sleep promotes brain development, mood regulation, and physical health. Without one, babies often become overtired, leading to fussiness and even harder nights.
When parents in Singapore work with an infant sleep trainer, they often realize that having a structured sleep training by age plan transforms not just the baby’s life but the entire family’s well-being.
The Ideal Baby Sleep Schedule by Age
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect as your baby grows:
Age | Total Sleep (per 24h) | Daytime Naps | Night Sleep | Notes on Sleep Training by Age |
0–2 months | 14–17 hours | 4–6 naps | 8–9 hours (broken) | At this stage, babies feed often. Focus on flexible sleep, not strict schedules. |
3–4 months | 13–16 hours | 3–4 naps | 9–10 hours | Begin gentle patterns. Watch for early baby sleep schedule cues. |
5–6 months | 13–15 hours | 3 naps | 10–11 hours | Babies may start consolidating longer stretches at night. Sleep training by age can begin here. |
7–8 months | 12–14 hours | 2–3 naps | 11–12 hours | Dropping to 2 naps becomes common. Bedtime consistency is key. |
9–10 months | 12–14 hours | 2 naps | 11–12 hours | Your baby sleep schedule should now feel steady. Sleep regressions may appear but can be managed. |
11–12 months | 11–14 hours | 1–2 naps | 11–12 hours | Transitioning to 1 nap. Maintain strong bedtime routines with help from an infant sleep trainer. |
How Sleep Training by Age Works
Every baby is unique, but sleep training by age provides structure:
0–3 months: Focus on recognizing sleep cues rather than strict routines.
4–6 months: Begin gentle sleep training a baby by establishing bedtime rituals.
6–12 months: Introduce more formal baby sleep schedules and work with an infant sleep trainer if needed.
Common Mistakes Parents Make with Baby Sleep Schedules
Keeping baby awake too long – leads to overtiredness and fussiness.
Skipping naps – naps are as important as nighttime sleep.
Inconsistency – without structure, sleep training a baby becomes much harder.
Not adjusting with age – babies grow fast, and so should their baby sleep schedule.
Final Thoughts – A Well-Rested Family is a Happy Family
Creating an ideal baby sleep schedule isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency. With the right guidance and a little patience, your baby can thrive with restful nights—and so can you.
As a certified infant sleep trainer in Singapore, I’ve helped countless families turn their sleep struggles into calm, predictable nights.
👉 Ready to create the perfect baby sleep schedule for your child? Explore my services here and let’s start your journey to peaceful nights.
FAQs
How do I create a baby sleep schedule?
Start by watching your baby’s natural sleep cues and aligning them with age-appropriate wake windows. Gradually add consistency with naps and bedtime routines. Working with an infant sleep trainer in Singapore helps parents set a realistic plan
What should a baby’s sleep schedule be at 3 months?
A 3-month-old baby sleep schedule often includes 3–4 naps during the day and 9–10 hours at night (with feeding interruptions). Early sleep training can be introduced gently here.
When should I start sleep training by age?
Most experts, including myself as an infant sleep trainer, recommend beginning sleep training a baby between 4–6 months, once healthy weight and feeding patterns are established.
Is it too late to create a baby sleep schedule at 12 months?
No, it’s never too late! Even toddlers benefit from consistent sleep routines. While early sleep training by age is easier, structure at 12 months still works wonders.
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