How to Promote Good Sleep Habits in Your Newborn (Without Needing Cry-It-Out Sleep Training Later)

Hi, I’m Debra, your certified Sleep Sense™ Consultant here in Singapore. 

Picture this: It’s 8:00 PM, you’ve just finished nursing your little one, and instead of the dreaded rocking, bouncing, or walking around the room for an hour, your baby peacefully drifts off in their cot. You quietly tiptoe out, pour yourself a warm tea, and settle in for some “me-time” — all because you’ve set the right sleep foundation early on. 

As a certified infant sleep trainer, I’ve helped many families avoid the need for tearful sleep training later by focusing on healthy sleep habits from the very first weeks of life. When you encourage baby sleep through the night gently from the start, you’re not just creating better rest for your baby — you’re giving the whole family more peace and predictability. 

Let’s walk through the gentle strategies that make sleep training a baby later much easier (or sometimes unnecessary). 

1. Understand Your Newborn’s Sleep Needs 

Newborns aren’t born knowing how to sleep through the night. In the early weeks, they need 14–17 hours of total sleep per day, spread across naps and night sleep. By observing your baby’s sleepy cues early — such as rubbing eyes, fussiness, or zoning out — you’ll be able to put them down before they’re overtired. This makes sleep training a baby later far smoother. 

2. Create a Soothing Sleep Environment 

A calm, predictable environment is key for baby sleep through the night. Keep lights dim during evening feedings, use white noise to mask outside sounds, and maintain a comfortable temperature. Many parents I’ve worked with in Singapore are surprised how much a consistent environment reduces fussiness. 

3. Practice Putting Baby Down Drowsy but Awake 

One of the best gifts you can give your baby is the ability to self-soothe. This doesn’t mean letting them cry it out; instead, gently practice laying them down when they’re calm but still slightly awake. This skill often eliminates the need for tough sleep training a baby later. 

4. Establish a Simple Bedtime Routine 

Newborn routines don’t need to be complicated — think bath, feed, cuddles, lullaby, bed. Consistency is key. Even as an infant sleep trainer, I keep early routines short and sweet to make them sustainable for parents. 

5. Respect Day-Night Differences 

Help your baby’s internal clock develop by keeping daytime naps in brighter light and nighttime feeds in darkness. This encourages baby sleep through the night sooner without needing intense sleep training a baby approaches. 

6. Manage Feeding and Sleep Balance 

For newborns, hunger is one of the biggest sleep disrupters. Ensuring full feeds during the day can reduce frequent night waking, which is a huge win for both baby and parents. 

7. Keep Calm and Be Consistent 

Babies thrive on predictability. Even if your newborn’s sleep feels erratic, sticking to your chosen patterns for sleep, feeding, and soothing builds trust and security. This makes any future sleep training a baby much easier. 

Debra’s Advice as a Certified Infant Sleep Trainer 

If you start these habits early, you’re setting your baby up for success. You won’t need to resort to prolonged crying or stressful sleep training — instead, your baby will naturally sleep through the night with gentle guidance. 

If you’re struggling or need a personalised plan, my infant sleep trainer services in Singapore are here to help you every step of the way. 

Ready to help your baby sleep through the night without tears? Explore my services to see how we can create a gentle, personalised sleep plan for your family here in Singapore. n. 

FAQs 

How can I teach my newborn good sleep habits? 

Focus on creating a consistent routine, setting up a calm sleep environment, and watching for sleepy cues. These steps promote easier baby sleep through the night later. 

Is it okay to start sleep training a baby from birth? 

Formal sleep training a baby isn’t recommended in the first few months, but you can still lay the groundwork with gentle habits like putting your baby down drowsy but awake. 

How do I help my newborn sleep without crying? 

Offer comfort through gentle rocking or soothing, but avoid letting them become dependent on motion or feeding to sleep every time. 

When should I hire an infant sleep trainer? 

Many parents in Singapore hire an infant sleep trainer when they feel overwhelmed or want guidance on building healthy sleep habits early on.