Newborn & Infant Care

Newborns feed frequently, often around 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, which can mean every two to three hours including overnight. Breastfed babies tend to feed on demand and may cluster feeds together at times. Watch for steady weight gain, regular wet and dirty nappies, and a baby who settles after feeds. If you are unsure your baby is getting enough, or feeding is painful, speak to a lactation consultant or your doctor. KKH, NUH and the polyclinics can point you to breastfeeding support, and you can read more in our breastfeeding support guide.

Yes. Vaccines under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) are fully subsidised, effectively free, for Singaporean children at polyclinics. The schedule protects against a range of illnesses, including tuberculosis (BCG), hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumococcal disease and chickenpox, among others. Vaccination against diphtheria and measles is legally required for children in Singapore. You can keep track of what is due and when using our vaccination schedule tool, and read the full overview in our NCIS vaccinations guide. For the official schedule and any updates, check HealthHub (healthhub.sg).

Your baby will usually have checks soon after birth in hospital, and a schedule of well-baby visits follows in the early weeks and months, often combined with vaccination appointments. These visits track growth, development and feeding, and give you a chance to ask questions. You can have these done at a polyclinic or with a private paediatrician. Use our paediatrician map to find a clinic near you, and follow the dates in your child's health booklet.

Yes. Newborns often sleep a large part of the day, but in short stretches of a few hours at a time, because their tummies are small and they need frequent feeds. Longer night-time sleep usually develops gradually over the first few months. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death (SIDS), always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface, in your room but on their own sleep space, kept clear of loose bedding and pillows. If your baby is very difficult to wake or unusually floppy, that is different from normal newborn sleepiness, and you should see a doctor.

A fever in a baby under three months old is taken seriously and should be assessed by a doctor promptly, even if your baby otherwise seems well. Do not give any medication without medical advice for a baby this young. For older infants, watch the whole picture: feeding, alertness, breathing, wet nappies and any rash, rather than the temperature reading alone. If your baby seems very unwell, is hard to rouse, or you are simply worried, go to a doctor or A&E. It is always better to have your baby checked.