If you’re a new parent or expecting your first child, you’ve probably heard about the Snoo smart bassinet. Created by renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, the Snoo promises to help soothe babies to sleep and keep them safely on their backs, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
While the Snoo sounds like a dream come true for sleep-deprived parents, it’s important to weigh the Snoo pros and cons before making an investment in this high-tech baby gear. In this article, we’ll explore the Snoo’s features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s right for your family.
What is the Snoo?
The Snoo smart bassinet is a high-tech bassinet that uses motion and sound to soothe babies to sleep. It’s designed to mimic the womb environment, with a swaddle that secures the baby’s arms and legs and prevents them from rolling over onto their stomachs. The Snoo also has built-in sensors that can detect when the baby is crying or restless and adjust the motion and sound to help calm them.
One of the unique features of the Snoo Bassinet is its ability to detect when the baby is awake and gradually increase the motion and sound to encourage them to fall back asleep. This can help reduce the amount of time parents spend comforting their baby in the middle of the night, giving them more restful sleep as well.
Snoo smart bassinet

Pros of the Snoo
Soothes babies to sleep
The Snoo’s motion and sound features are designed to help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This can be a lifesaver for new parents who are struggling with sleep deprivation.
Reduces the risk of SIDS
The Snoo’s swaddle and back-sleeping position can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is a leading cause of death in infants under one year of age.
Easy to use
The Snoo is designed to be easy to use, with a simple interface and intuitive controls. Parents can adjust the motion and sound settings to customize the Snoo’s soothing features to their baby’s needs.
Provides restful sleep for parents
By helping babies sleep more soundly, the Snoo can also provide more restful sleep for parents. This can be especially important for new parents who are struggling to adjust to the demands of caring for a newborn.
Can be used for multiple babies
The Snoo is an investment, but it can be used for multiple babies. This can make it a cost-effective option for families who plan to have more than one child.
Cons of the Snoo
Expensive
The Snoo is a high-end baby gear item, with a price tag that can be a barrier for some families. It’s important to consider whether the cost is worth the investment, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Limited lifespan
The Snoo is designed for babies up to six months old, which means that it has a limited lifespan. Once your baby outgrows the Snoo, you’ll need to transition them to a different sleeping arrangement.
Requires electricity
The Snoo requires an electrical outlet to function, which can be a limitation if you’re traveling or don’t have easy access to a power source.
May not work for every baby
While the Snoo smart sleeper is designed to help soothe babies to sleep, it may not work for every baby. Some babies may prefer different types of motion or sound, or may not be soothed by the Snoo’s features.
Limits parent-baby interaction
While the Snoo can be a lifesaver for sleep-deprived parents, it can also limit parent-baby interaction. The Snoo’s swaddle and motion features can make it difficult for parents to pick up or hold their baby during the night, which may not be ideal for some families who value close physical contact with their infant.
Requires regular maintenance
The Snoo requires regular maintenance, including washing the swaddle and mattress cover, as well as cleaning the sensors and motor. This can be time-consuming and may require additional expenses for replacement parts.
Is the Snoo worth it?

The Snoo is a unique and innovative baby gear item that offers many benefits for sleep-deprived parents. Its ability to soothe babies to sleep and reduce the risk of SIDS can be lifesaving, especially for families who are struggling with sleep deprivation. However, its high price tag and limited lifespan may not make it a practical option for all families.
Ultimately, whether the Snoo is worth the investment will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. If you have the budget for it and prioritize your baby’s sleep and safety, the Snoo can be a valuable addition to your baby gear collection. If you’re on a tight budget or prioritize close physical contact with your infant, you may want to consider other sleeping arrangements that offer similar benefits.
Faq for snoo pros and cons
Conclusion
The Snoo smart bassinet offers many benefits for new parents, including soothing motion and sound features that can help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, as well as a swaddle and back-sleeping position that can reduce the risk of SIDS. However, its high cost and limited lifespan may not make it a practical option for all families, and its limitations on parent-baby interaction may not be ideal for some.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in the Snoo will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. By weighing the pros and cons and considering your budget and preferences, you can make an informed decision about whether the Snoo is right for your family.
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