The Snoo: is it right for you?

The Snoo Story

A Pro/Con list for the most talked about bassinet on the market

There are few baby gear innovations or products on the market that get as much attention as The Happiest Baby Snoo. Since it’s launch it has gained notoriety and became a polarizing baby registry item. New parents just want more sleep, but when the device promising to give new parents 1-2 hours of additional sleep per night costs nearly $1,500 it becomes divisive. Everything from mom shaming, socioeconomic disparities, an infant’s failure to thrive, and the morality of lofty marketing claims come up around the SNOO discussion. - and we are talking about a bassinet! So why are people so passionate?

Let’s take a deep look into the pros and cons that are most discussed. I’ve tried to take all marketing language out of this, but some of the product details are from the companies website and that means they have been touched by the hands of many marketers and copywriters.

Let’s talk pros first. There is a lot to love and if you’ve been a sleep deprived, first time parent, you know how desperate you can get.

➕Pros: ⁣
1.) Can be very soothing to fussy newborns and may increase sleep stretches by 1-2 hrs.
2.) Makes it easy to adhere to AAP safe sleep guidelines (baby is actually swaddled and attached to the bassinet on back).
3.) It really is a beautiful piece of furniture - it’s one of the best visually on the market. If not utilizing it for all of its technical features, it is still one of the best looking options available.
4.) Incorporates sleep props like white noise, gentle movement, and swaddle all in one.
5.) The swaddle is simple to secure and easy to use.
6.) Mesh sides are breathable and good for visibility.
7.) Weight limit is relatively high (25lbs) for bassinet options.
8.) FDA breakthrough device means it may eventually be covered as a medical device by insurance companies.

➖Cons:
1.) Price - at nearly $1500 this is not accessible to everyone although renting is a great option and the resale market is strong
2.) 50/50 if your baby responds well to it - so simple do not like it.
3.) Some parents don’t like the idea of wifi devices near baby due to EMF exposure. Snoo does claim that tests show negligible exposure and that a metal shield has been added to provide additional protection.
4.) Transitioning to a traditional sleep surface can be challenging. Snoo does offer a gradual weaning feature for transitioning.
5.) Potential for baby to begin sleeping through the night before developmentally ready (I.e still needs more frequent feedings)
6.) Weight - it’s 38 lbs and therefore not easy to move throughout your home or use for travel
7.) Some report it becoming over stimulating for older babies making connecting sleep cycles more challenging.
8.) Polyurethane mattress is not the best non toxic option.

You decide:

• Sleep tracking on the app: I both love the data collection on their easy to use and well made app and also know that too much data around our children can contribute to PPA. So you be the judge on this one.

• No devices have been proven to reduce the rate of SIDs or endorsed by the AAP, but Happiest Baby has discussed this in press as early as January 2020.

Those are the highlights! Want more information and to know if it might be a good fit for your family?

Book a complimentary consult so we can discuss your home, lifestyle, and personality to see if the SNOO might be right for your family.