Developmental Milestones: 0-12 Months
All babies develop at their own pace. These are general guidelines - Not checklists. Talk to your PD if you have concerns. Track progress with our Milestone Tracker.
Sleep Needs by Age
Sleep is when babies consolidate memories and grow. A swaddle can help in the early weeks - always follow safe sleep guidelines. Use our Sleep Schedule Planner to build a daily routine.
| Age | Total Sleep | Night Sleep | Naps / Day | Max Awake Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0-3m) | 14-17 hrs | 8-9 hrs | 4-6 short naps | 45-90 min |
| 4-5 Months | 13-15 hrs | 9-10 hrs | 3-4 naps | 1.5-2 hrs |
| 6-8 Months | 12-15 hrs | 10-11 hrs | 2-3 naps | 2-3 hrs |
| 9-11 Months | 12-14 hrs | 11 hrs | 2 naps | 2.5-3.5 hrs |
| 12-17 Months | 11-14 hrs | 11 hrs | 1-2 naps | 3-4 hrs |
| 18-24 Months | 11-14 hrs | 11-12 hrs | 1 nap | 4-6 hrs |
| 2-3 Years | 11-13 hrs | 11-12 hrs | 1 nap (optional) | 5-6 hrs |
Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Singapore's Ministry of Health aligns with these guidelines.
Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule
All vaccines below are recommended by MOH Singapore and subsidised at polyclinics for Citizens and PRs. Track upcoming vaccines with our Immunization Tracker.
| Age | Vaccine(s) | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | BCG, Hepatitis B (dose 1) | Tuberculosis; Hepatitis B |
| 1 Month | Hepatitis B (dose 2) | Hepatitis B |
| 3 Months | DTaP-IPV-Hib (dose 1), PCV (dose 1) | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib; Pneumococcal |
| 4 Months | DTaP-IPV-Hib (dose 2), PCV (dose 2) | 2nd doses of above |
| 5 Months | DTaP-IPV-Hib (dose 3) | 3rd dose – Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hib |
| 6 Months | Hepatitis B (dose 3) | Hepatitis B (final) |
| 12 Months | MMR (dose 1) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella |
| 12-15 Months | PCV booster | Pneumococcal disease (booster) |
| 15-18 Months | DTaP-IPV-Hib (booster), Varicella | Booster + Chickenpox |
| 18 Months | MMR (dose 2) | Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2nd dose) |
| 10-11 Years | HPV (girls, 2 doses) | Human Papillomavirus – cervical cancer prevention |
Source: MOH Singapore. Annual influenza vaccine recommended from 6 months for high-risk children.
Feeding Guide by Age
Cluster feeding in the first weeks is normal and helps establish milk supply. Use the Formula Calculator or Breastfeeding Calculator for your baby's specific daily targets.
| Age | Breastfeeding | Formula | Solids |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 Month | 8-12 feeds/day on demand | 60-90 ml per feed | None |
| 2-3 Months | 7-9 feeds/day | 90-120 ml, 6-8 feeds/day | None |
| 4-5 Months | 6-8 feeds/day | 120-150 ml, 5-6 feeds/day | None – wait for 6 months |
| 6 Months | 5-6 feeds/day | 150-180 ml, 4-5 feeds/day | Start: thin purées 1-2 tsp |
| 7-9 Months | 4-5 feeds/day | 180-210 ml, 3-4 feeds/day | 2-3 meals, soft lumps |
| 10-12 Months | 3-4 feeds/day | 210 ml, 3-4 feeds/day | 3 meals + 2 snacks, finger foods |
| 12+ Months | Continue as long as mutually desired | Transition to full-cream cow's milk | Family foods, 3 meals daily |
Singapore Baby Care: What to Expect
Singapore has one of the best infant healthcare systems in the world. Here is what to expect in the first 18 months, from your first clinic visit to key government support.
Well-Child Clinic Schedule (Polyclinics, KKH, NUH)
All Singapore Citizens and PRs are entitled to subsidised well-child checks at polyclinics. The standard schedule is:
- 1 week: Newborn check, jaundice review, weight gain, feeding assessment, heel prick test (for metabolic conditions)
- 1 month: Hepatitis B dose 2, hip and eye checks, developmental review, Moro reflex
- 3 months: First DTaP-IPV-Hib and PCV vaccines, growth plotting on WHO charts, social smile check
- 9 months: Gross motor review (sitting, crawling), stranger anxiety noted, developmental screening
- 15 months: DTaP-IPV-Hib booster and varicella vaccine, walking assessment, language check
- 18 months: MMR dose 2, speech and language milestone review, behaviour and social development
Key Financial Support for Newborns
Automatically credited into your newborn's Medisave account at birth for Singapore Citizens. This can be used for hospitalisation, vaccinations, and approved outpatient treatments at any MOH-licensed provider.
All Singapore Citizens and PRs are covered under MediShield Life from the moment of birth. This provides basic coverage for large hospital bills and certain outpatient treatments, including NICU stays if needed.
What to Expect in Each Developmental Stage
Each phase of the first year brings rapid change. Here is a quick overview:
- 0-3 months (newborn): Sleep, feed, repeat. Focus on bonding and establishing breastfeeding or formula routine. Babies start to recognise your face and voice.
- 4-6 months: Rapid physical growth. Baby starts to roll, sit with support, and show interest in solid foods. Social smiling is well established.
- 7-9 months: Crawling, object permanence, and stranger anxiety appear. Solids expand to include more textures and allergen introductions.
- 10-12 months: Pulling to stand and first steps for many babies. First words emerging. Finger foods and family meals are the norm.