Why Won’t My Baby Sleep? Newborn Sleep Struggles & Comfort, Answered
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Why Won’t My Baby Sleep? Newborn Sleep Struggles & Comfort, Answered
Quick facts
- Newborns typically sleep around 14 to 17 hours across 24 hours
- The Moro (startle) reflex is a normal newborn reflex that fades as the nervous system matures
- Swaddling should stop once baby shows signs of rolling — often around 3 to 4 months
- A comfortable room temperature for baby sleep in Singapore is around 25°C
Baby Central Singapore × Sleepy Bubba — frequent waking, contact naps and fighting sleep are some of the most common newborn sleep worries Singapore parents bring to Leann, Founder & Certified Sleep Consultant at Sleepy Bubba. Here’s what she wants every exhausted new parent to know.
Why Newborns Wake So Often
Before troubleshooting anything, it helps to know what’s actually normal for the newborn stage.
Why does my baby wake up so many times at night?
Frequent waking is very normal for newborns. Their sleep cycles are much shorter than ours, their tummies are small, and they still need to wake regularly for feeds. Their body clock is also still developing, so they have not yet learnt the difference between day and night.
My baby only sleeps in my arms. Am I creating a bad habit?
Not necessarily, especially in the newborn stage. Newborns naturally seek warmth, movement and closeness because that is what feels familiar and safe to them. As your baby gets older, you can gradually give them more opportunities to sleep in their cot and become comfortable sleeping without always being held.
Why does my baby fight every nap?
Often, it comes down to timing. Your baby may not be tired enough yet, or they may have stayed awake too long and become overtired. Hunger, discomfort and overstimulation can also make settling harder, so it helps to look at your baby’s overall routine rather than focusing only on the nap itself.
How do I know if my baby is overtired?
An overtired baby may become very fussy, cry more intensely or seem unusually alert even though they are exhausted. You may also notice yawning, staring into space, rubbing their face or becoming increasingly difficult to settle. Once a baby becomes overtired, falling asleep can actually become harder.
Watch for early tired signs — yawning, staring into space, rubbing their face — and start winding down before the fussing starts. It’s easier to settle a baby who isn’t overtired yet.
How much sleep does my baby actually need?
Every baby is different, but newborns generally sleep for around 14 to 17 hours across 24 hours. Rather than trying to hit an exact number every day, look at how your baby is behaving when awake, how easily they settle and whether they seem well rested overall.
Building a More Comfortable Sleep Space
Once you understand what’s normal, small changes to your baby’s environment can make settling easier.
Why does my baby startle awake so easily?
Newborns have something called the Moro, or startle, reflex. A sudden sound, movement or even being placed down can cause their arms and legs to jerk out and wake them. This is completely normal and gradually reduces as their nervous system matures.
When should I stop swaddling my baby?
Swaddling can be helpful during the newborn stage, but it needs to stop once your baby shows signs of trying to roll. This can happen around 3 to 4 months, but some babies start earlier. Once rolling begins, your baby needs their arms free so they can reposition themselves safely.
What’s the ideal room temperature for baby sleep in Singapore?
Around 25°C can be a comfortable starting point in Singapore. More importantly, your baby should not feel hot or sweaty, and they should not be overdressed for sleep. Check the back of their neck or chest rather than their hands and feet, which often naturally feel cooler.
What actually helps a newborn sleep more comfortably?
Start with the basics before looking for products or gadgets. A safe sleep space, comfortable temperature, suitable clothing or swaddling, a full tummy and a calm environment can make a big difference. A simple and predictable wind-down routine can also help your baby recognise that sleep is coming.
Could the right sleep space help reduce my newborn’s startle reflex and support better sleep?
The startle reflex itself is developmental, so no sleep space can completely remove it. However, appropriate swaddling before baby starts rolling may help reduce how much the reflex wakes them. A calm, consistent sleep environment can also make it easier for your baby to settle again when they do startle.
Answered by Leann, Founder & Certified Sleep Consultant at Sleepy Bubba, who has helped numerous families across Singapore sleep better.