Getting enough sleep as a new parent can feel like an uphill battle, but the SNOO bassinet offers a modern solution that may make all the difference. This high-tech sleep solution promises to help your baby sleep longer and more soundly, while offering parents a much needed restful night of sleep. With its smart technology and growing popularity, you might be asking: Is the SNOO worth the investment? In this article, we’ll explore all you need to know about the Snoo and what to consider before deciding if it’s the right choice for your family.

What is the Snoo

The SNOO Smart Sleeper is an innovative, high-tech bassinet designed to help both babies and parents get more sleep. Created by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp and the team at Happiest Baby, the SNOO combines soothing features like gentle rocking motions and white noise to mimic the sensations babies feel in the womb. The bassinet is equipped with a responsive motion system that automatically adjusts to your baby’s cries, offering a comforting sway that helps them calm down and settle into sleep. One of the most notable features of the SNOO is its swaddle design, which safely secures your baby while preventing rolling, a crucial safety consideration. 

What is included when you purchase the SNOO:

  • SNOO Smart Sleeper
  • Three ivory Snoo sleep sacks
  • Snoo sheets made of GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Mattress & water resistant cover
  • Unlimited access to sleep consultants
  • One year warranty

Authorized purchases include a free nine month premium subscription to the Happiest Baby App. And there are add-ons such as the leg lifters that can be purchased separately. 

The Science behind the Snoo

One of the key scientific principles behind the SNOO is the concept of responsive soothing. Just as babies are calmed by motion and sound in the womb, the SNOO is designed to respond to a baby’s cries with subtle rocking and shushing sounds that increase in intensity to match the baby’s distress. This helps babies fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, minimizing the need for parents to intervene in the middle of the night. The swaddle component also plays an important role, helping prevent babies from startling themselves awake while keeping them safely on their backs—an essential sleep position that reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Research has shown that consistent, responsive soothing can help regulate a baby’s sleep cycle, making it easier for them to fall into deep, restorative sleep. The SNOO’s automatic rocking motion and soothing sounds create a calming environment that helps babies transition from a state of alertness to one of relaxation, which is crucial for both their development and the wellbeing of the parents. Essentially, the SNOO is designed to harness the natural calming mechanisms that babies instinctively respond to, offering them—and their parents—a scientifically backed solution for better sleep.

Key Considerations

When considering the SNOO for your baby, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure it’s the right fit for your family’s needs. Here are some key considerations: 

Cost

The SNOO is an investment, with a price point higher than many standard bassinets or cribs. However, many parents find the benefits of better sleep for both baby and themselves worth the cost. Additionally, the SNOO can often be rented, which might be a good option if you're unsure about making a long-term purchase.

Because the SNOO is a significant investment, it’s always good to be aware of the return and rental policies before purchasing. Some families prefer to rent the SNOO for a shorter period to test out its effectiveness, while others may choose to buy it outright with the intention of passing it down or selling it when they’re done. 

Space and Placement

The SNOO is a larger bassinet compared to standard models, so you’ll need to consider the space available and where you plan to position your bassinet. Some parents prefer the bassinet up against the bed for night time feedings while others are comfortable having more space between their bed and the bassinet. We encourage parents to measure ahead before making a purchase. Here are the dimensions: 

  • Height: 35 inches (89 cm)
  • Width: 24 inches (61 cm)
  • Length: 30 inches (76 cm)

Ease of Use

Parents love the simplicity of the SNOO, particularly its user-friendly interface and ease of setup. The bassinet comes with an app that allows you to adjust settings remotely, so you can change the level of motion or sound without needing to get up. With alternatives to the SNOO, there may not be technology to be brought up to speed on so you will want to be open mind about learning new technology. 

Safety Features

The Snoo meets all of the safety standards for baby products set by regulatory bodies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It’s designed to ensure your baby’s sleep environment is as safe as possible while still offering the calming features that help them settle into a restful sleep.

The Snoo includes a swaddle that fastens securely around your baby’s arms and torso, keeping them safely positioned on their back. This is critical for reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as it prevents your baby from rolling onto their stomach while sleeping

Longevity of Use

Like many baby gear products, the SNOO is designed for optimal use during a specific stage of your baby’s development. The SNOO is intended for use until your baby reaches a weight of 25 lbs or is able to roll over on their own, which typically occurs around 4 to 6 months of age. After this time you will be transitioning the baby to a crib. 

By considering factors like safety features, ease of use, and the overall cost, you’ll be better equipped to decide if the SNOO is the right choice for your family’s sleep needs. 

Is the Snoo Right for you?

Deciding if the SNOO is the right fit for your family ultimately depends on your parenting style, your baby’s unique needs, and your priorities when it comes to sleep. If you’re seeking a convenient, smart sleep solution that automatically responds to your baby’s cries with gentle rocking and soothing sounds, the SNOO could be a real game-changer. 

The Snoo is not the only smart sleeper transforming the way parents approach newborn sleep, Cradlewise offers a smart bassinet and crib. To help you compare these two popular choices, check out our in-depth review of the SNOO vs. Cradlewise here.

With its smart technology, ease of use, and focus on sleep training, the SNOO aims to create a soothing environment that supports your baby's sleep development and gives parents a little extra rest. You can explore the SNOO and other Happiest Baby products like the SNOO Sleep Sack in the Poppylist Shop here. Plus, if you choose to add the SNOO to your Poppylist registry, you can take advantage of the group gifting option, making it easy for friends and family to contribute toward this special item together.