Infant sleep plays an important role in a child's development, including physical growth as well as specific cognitive functions such as memory, language and executive function. Babies spend most of their first year asleep, which is when their brains develop and sensory memories form.

At the same time, sleep is equally important for new parents' health. Sleep deprivation can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and anxiety. It can also increase the risk of postpartum depression, insomnia, and stress. Stressed parents can transfer stress to their children, and babies can react to this stress by exhibiting physiological changes.