If you're already a mum or pregnant with your first, then chances are, you've heard of the SNOO crib. A hit on social media with celebrities, influencers and customers alike, it counts the likes of Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johnasson, Zoe Saldana, Jessica Chastain, Serena Williams, Kate Hudson, Katy Perry and Gigi Hadid amongst its long list of fans.
The smart bassinet (you link it to your phone with an app) promises to help your baby sleep with gentle soothing and rocking, amongst many other things. So is it really worth it? Keep scrolling for your ultimate SNOO crib guide.
What is SNOO?
In short, a bassinet that automatically responds to your baby's needs to help soothe them off to sleep, even when you're asleep. It was launched by the founder of Happiest Baby, Dr Harvey Karp, a sleep expert and renowned Paediatrician. The cot took 5 years to develop and test, and was designed in partnership with designers, Yves Behar, acclaimed Swiss-American designer and founder of fuseproject, and Dr. Deb Roy, Director, MIT’s Social Learning Machines program.
The SNOO mimics the sounds and motions of the womb by using soft white noise and gentle motions to soothe babies. It reduces crying, boosts sleep, naturally sleep-trains babies and is the world’s first bed to prevent accidental rolling over by using a special organic sleep sack - making it the safest baby bed in the world (the #1 safe sleep recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics).
Parents can track their babies' sleep using the SNOO app, where they can customise settings, picking the ones baby likes most (including special settings for premature babies, newborns, weaning to the crib, etc).
The app also gives you access to daily sleep reports and helpful tips from Dr. Karp.
SNOO health benefits
There are health benefits to both mummy and baby. Firstly, it helps gets parents an extra 1-3 hours' sleep per night, making them feel more rested. Lack of sleep has also been linked to postnatal depression, though of course changing hormones mean you could still suffer from it.
Secondly, as babies are swaddled and secured in the SNOO crib, it also helps to stop accidental rolling over, and the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It has actually been named the safest baby bed in the world, and recently the FDA (The United States Food and Drug Administration) announced that SNOO received breakthrough device designation, which puts it on the fast track to be considered as a lifesaving medical device (so insurance companies could potentially cover it like they do a breast pump).
Is the SNOO really worth it?
According to the 825 4.4 star reviews on the SNOO website, yes. In case you aren't aware of the cot, it was created by celebrated author Dr. Harvey Karp (Happiest Baby on the Block), to help babies sleep better.
SNOO aids sleep with gentle rocking and soothing for all naps and nights and is connected to an app so you can vary the settings and get sleep reports for your baby. It's said that the SNOO often calms upset babies in under a minute, since it automatically responds to fussing.
There is a special sleep sack which makes swaddling easier, reduces overheating, prevents unraveled blankets and keeps baby on the back. All in all, it makes for a better transition to a cot after the newborn stage, and helps sleep train your baby. Of course, it's not necessarily a magical solution, but when you buy a SNOO you get access to sleep consultants seven days a week which should help you smooth any teething issues (excuse the pun).
How long can a baby sleep in a SNOO?
SNOO is designed for babies up to six months old, which is usually when they are ready to transition into cots in their own bedrooms after sending their first six months sleeping in their parents' room.
