The value of prenatal supplements. The dangers of eating sushi. You’ve known exactly what you need to do to have a healthy pregnancy. But do you know the best way to keep your baby healthy after she arrives? The answer is simple: make sure you and your baby get enough sleep.

But it’s easier said than done. Adults need a solid 8 hours a night and your baby needs about double that. And for most parents, the to-do list is a mile long, their baby is fighting an afternoon nap, and they may have a toddler who is passionately protesting bedtime. Getting everyone sleeping like they should is definitely challenging. But it is possible.

Why sleep is important for your baby

In the womb, your baby spent 95% of their time sleeping. And as a newborn, they’ll spend more time asleep than awake. While they sleep their bodies and minds are rapidly developing – they seem to grow a little bit bigger every day, their brains are filling with new information, and their personalities start to shine.

Getting enough sleep will help your baby:

• Reach the proper growth milestones
• Strengthen their immune system
• Keep their cognitive development on track
• Stay on a manageable eat-sleep-play schedule
• Smile more and fuss less

Why sleep is important for you

Ask any parent and they’ll tell you raising a child is a full-time job. And it’s possible you have another full-time job on top of that and a whole myriad of other activities to balance throughout the day. If you carved out 8 hours of your day to sleep…when would it all get done?

On the flip side, it’s nearly impossible to get everything checked off your to-do list running on little to no sleep – but there’s even greater benefits to a good night’s rest.

Getting enough sleep will help you: 

• Strengthen your immune system
• Boost your life expectancy
• Decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, & more
• Reduce your chances of postpartum depression as a new mom
• Stay energized throughout the day
• Improve your mood

Keeping yourself healthy will not only help keep the rest of your family healthy but can also literally help you live longer. Sounds pretty important, right?

How you can get sweeter sleep

Families who sleep better, wake up happier and healthier – it’s a fact. So how can you help you and your family get the rest they need?

• Try making some subtle changes to your baby’s sleep ambiance
• Make sure you’re incorporating a soothing bedtime routine
• Get your nap schedule down to a science

Also consider some new PJs. That’s right, pajamas. But not ordinary pajamas – try ones specifically designed to help your baby sleep better and longer (which means you will too).

The Zen Footie™ and Zen Bodysuit are lightly weighted to mimic your gentle touch – so whether your putting your little one down to check off some to-do’s or try to get some sleep yourself, they’ll still feel the soothing pressure of your touch on their chest.

Zen Footie™: The secret to sweeter sleep Shop Zen Footies

It’s easy for moms to overlook their own health and wellbeing once there’s a newborn in the house but the reality is, the best way to keep your baby healthy is to keep your entire family healthy – which means you need to take care of you too, mama! Get more sleep tips for your family on the Zen Blog.