Newborn Sleep in Singapore: What Every Parent Should Expect in the First 3 Months

Hi, I’m Debra, your certified Sleep Sense™ Consultant at Lullabub Sleepers. If you’re holding a newborn in your arms right now and wondering, “Is this sleep chaos normal?”—the answer is yes. You're not alone. I’ve worked with countless families across Singapore, and I know firsthand just how overwhelming the first 3 months of newborn sleep can feel. 

Imagine this: 

It’s 3:27 a.m. Your baby just finished feeding… and instead of going back to sleep, their eyes pop wide open. You’re exhausted, searching online for “how to get a newborn to sleep,” and hoping for a miracle. 

Here’s the truth: those unpredictable wake-ups and short naps are normal. But understanding your baby’s newborn sleep patterns can help you feel less stressed—and more confident as a parent. 

Let’s dive into what you can expect and how you can gently guide your baby toward healthier sleep. 

1. Understanding Newborn Sleep Cycles (Weeks 0–12) 

Newborns don’t follow the same circadian rhythm as adults. In the first 3 months, newborn sleep is broken into short bursts—typically 2 to 4 hours at a time, around the clock. They spend about 50% of their sleep in active REM sleep, which is why they often squirm, make noises, or seem restless while sleeping. 

At this age, your baby is still learning the difference between night and day. That’s why it's common to see longer awake stretches in the middle of the night—exhausting, I know. 

But trust me: this is the time to observe your baby’s patterns, not to panic. As an infant sleep trainer in Singapore, I always tell parents: watch, don’t rush. 

2. The Reality of Sleep Training Baby in the Early Months 

During the first few weeks, sleep training baby isn’t about setting strict rules—it’s about building healthy sleep associations. 

That means: 

• Encouraging daytime feeds in the daylight 

• Keeping nights calm and dark 

• Using white noise to block background sounds 

• Offering naps in a safe, quiet space 

Though your baby won’t follow a fixed routine yet, gentle guidance helps them ease into the rhythms of day and night. As an infant sleep trainer, I support families in Singapore with simple, effective steps that honor the newborn stage. 

3. Common Newborn Sleep Challenges in Singapore 

Living in Singapore means we often face heat, humidity, shared housing, and extended family dynamics—all of which can affect newborn sleep. 

Some challenges I often see include: 

• Overstimulation from visitors and noise 

• Warm rooms making it hard to settle 

• Daytime activity disrupting naps 

• Cultural norms that encourage baby-carrying over crib-napping 

This is why sleep training baby in Singapore must be adapted to each family’s lifestyle. You’re not doing it wrong—you just need a custom plan that fits your baby and home. 

4. When to Seek Help from an Infant Sleep Trainer 

You might wonder: Isn’t this too early to get support?  Absolutely not. 

You don’t need to wait until you’re in survival mode to speak with an infant sleep trainer.

Even in the newborn phase, I can help you: 

• Understand sleep cues 

• Set up a gentle routine 

• Reduce nighttime wakings 

• Ease into sleep training baby when the time is right 

Newborns don’t come with manuals—but I offer something close: personalised, evidence-based guidance that actually works. 

5. Gentle Sleep Habits to Start Now 

Here’s what I recommend to every new parent navigating newborn sleep in Singapore: 

• Daylight Exposure: Take your baby outside every morning. Natural light helps reset their body clock. 

• Soothing Wind-Down Routine: Even at 3 weeks old, babies benefit from consistent signals that it’s time to rest—like a short massage, lullaby, or dim lights. 

• Safe Sleep Environment: Keep it cool, dark, and clutter-free. In Singapore’s tropical weather, use a fan or aircon if needed. 

• Watch for Sleep Cues: Yawning, zoning out, rubbing eyes—these are signals your baby is ready to sleep. Don’t miss the window! 

Sleep training baby is a journey. These habits will make the road smoother when your baby is ready for more formal training (usually after 4 months). 

What to Expect by Month 

Month 1: 

• Sleeps 14–17 hours in short bursts 

• No circadian rhythm 

• Needs frequent feeding 

Month 2: 

• Starts to recognize day vs. night 

• Might do one longer stretch at night 

• Awake windows: 45 mins – 1 hour 

Month 3: 

• More alert during the day 

• Sleeps 13–15 hours total 

• Begins to form predictable patterns 

Final Thoughts from Debra – Your Infant Sleep Trainer in Singapore 

Those first 3 months with your newborn are raw, beautiful, and yes—very tiring. If newborn sleep feels like a blur of naps, wake-ups, and second-guessing yourself, I see you. 

You don’t need to do this alone. Whether you want to start sleep training baby soon or you’re just trying to make it to bedtime tonight, I’m here to support you with gentle, respectful strategies that work. 

Ready for Better Sleep? 

💤 Explore our Services to book a personalised consultation and learn how I can support your family’s journey—from newborn sleep to toddler transitions. Together, we’ll make sleep something to look forward to again. 

FAQs 

What is a normal sleep pattern for a newborn? 

Newborns typically sleep 14 to 17 hours a day in short bursts of 2 to 4 hours. Their circadian rhythm hasn't developed yet, so they don’t distinguish between day and night. 

How do I get my 2-week-old to sleep at night? 

Stick to a simple bedtime routine, keep the room dim at night, and expose your baby to natural daylight during the day. Avoid overstimulation and try gentle sleep training baby techniques. 

When do babies start sleeping longer at night? 

Many infants begin to sleep longer stretches (4–6 hours) by around 6–8 weeks, especially when sleep training baby is introduced with consistency and support from an infant sleep trainer. 

Is it normal for newborns to sleep all day and stay awake at night? 

Yes, it's common during the first few weeks. Their internal clock is still developing. With time, and using gentle sleep cues, the newborn sleep cycle begins to adjust. 

How can I tell if my newborn is overtired? 

Signs include fussiness, difficulty settling, rubbing eyes, and resisting feeds. Recognizing these cues can help in effective sleep training baby and establishing healthy newborn sleep patterns. 

Should I wake my newborn to feed at night? 

Yes, especially during the first few weeks or if your baby isn’t gaining weight properly. Always consult your pediatrician, and combine feeding needs with sleep training baby approaches. 

What is the best sleep training method for a newborn? 

Newborns are too young for formal sleep training, but you can begin shaping healthy habits through responsive care, sleep-friendly environments, and advice from an infant sleep trainer in Singapore.