The Snoo bassinet has been recommended for several years due to its status as the only true “smart” bassinet, designed by Dr. Harvey Karp, renowned for his books on the “5 S’s” for promoting children’s sleep. Dr. Karp describes the Snoo as an additional pair of hands to assist in rocking a baby back to sleep, potentially adding an hour or two to a typical baby’s nighttime rest.
The Snoo operates by listening to the baby and responding accordingly. It begins with a gentle side-to-side sway accompanied by soothing, womb-like sounds, increasing in intensity if the baby cries. The most vigorous setting involves a “Jello jiggle” motion paired with louder white noise. The accompanying app for iPhone and Android records sleep patterns and allows users to adjust how the bassinet responds to the baby. If a baby’s distress escalates to a high level, the Snoo stops after approximately a minute and sends a notification. Some users have found it useful to set the bassinet to a lower level and adjust its sensitivity.
Uniquely, the Snoo requires a special sleep sack that attaches to its sides, ensuring that babies remain on their backs. If the sack is not properly secured, the device will not function, which the company asserts makes it “the safest baby bed ever made,” addressing potential SIDS risks such as stomach sleeping, overheating, and co-sleeping.
Priced at $1,695, with a rental option available at $159 monthly from Happiest Baby, the Snoo features a sleek, modern design with a metal-and-mesh build. However, it is not without flaws. There can be delays or overly aggressive reactions to a baby’s crying, especially as the baby grows and becomes more aware. It also lacks a cover to block light, and users may need extra sleep sacks if their baby spits up frequently. Additionally, the Velcro on the sleep sacks could be stronger.
There are also concerns about security vulnerabilities typical of internet-enabled devices, although the Wi-Fi features can be turned off. However, doing so limits the ability to adjust settings remotely. As of September 2024, certain features are only accessible through the app’s new Premium subscription, costing $20 per month. Purchasing the bassinet directly from Snoo or an authorized partner grants access to Premium features for nine months, sufficient for a baby to outgrow the bassinet, but this affects resale value and may lead to ongoing costs for subsequent children. Secondhand buyers must pay for the subscription throughout their usage.
The bassinet is designed for use “from birth to 6 months (or when the baby can get on hands and knees).” Further details can be found in its User Guide.
