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What is the SNOO, anyway?
The name sounds straight out of the Grinch, right?
But in reality, the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet is a high-tech bassinet created to soothe newborns using motion and sound. Babies are swaddled and gently “wiggled” throughout the night based on their fussing.
Parents ask us all the time if we recommend the SNOO.
And the answer is… complicated.
Below is my personal opinion as a postpartum professional who has supported hundreds of newborns.
Is the SNOO Safe?
Yes. The SNOO is FDA-cleared and designed to follow AAP safe sleep guidelines. For many families, it offers peace of mind:
- Baby is securely swaddled
- They cannot roll onto their stomach
- The sleep surface is flat and firm
Some parents love knowing their newborn will stay safely positioned all night.
When to Stop Using the SNOO
This is one of the most searched questions online, and for good reason. The general guideline:
- Use as you wish for the first 6 weeks
- Switch to Weaning Mode from 6–12 weeks
- Stop using the SNOO entirely once your baby is showing signs of rolling
Why? Movement plus restricted swaddling can become unsafe once rolling begins. At that stage, your baby needs more freedom of movement to develop safely.
What is Weaning Mode on the SNOO?
Weaning mode reduces constant motion. It only activates gentle movement when baby actually cries. This prevents babies from becoming dependent on continuous rocking to stay asleep.
Weaning mode helps build sleep skills while still offering support.
The SNOO and Sleep Habits
The first 6 weeks are lovingly called the trenches. Survival mode. If something gives you one extra hour of sleep and it is safe, go for it.
But after 6–8 weeks, sleep habits start forming.
If your baby:
- Falls asleep only with motion
- Is rocked all night
- Never has a chance to settle independently
…you may end up needing sleep training later.
We would rather help you build healthy sleep foundations early.
The Importance of Self-Soothing
One of my biggest concerns with the SNOO is that it intervenes immediately when a baby fusses. That interrupts the natural learning process.
Sometimes, babies just need a few seconds to:
- Wiggle
- Fuss lightly
- Reset
- Drift back to sleep on their own
Pausing before responding can make a huge difference in independent sleep skills.
This is why our approach, The Sleep Steps, always begins with Step One: Pause.
Signs It Is Time to Stop Using the SNOO Immediately
Discontinue SNOO motion and swaddling if your baby:
- Is attempting to roll back-to-front
- Shows increased mobility
- Begins pushing up on hands or knees
- Tries to rotate or scoot
When in doubt, transition early for safety.
You can continue to use the SNOO as a bassinet only with no movement or swaddle once rolling begins.
Is the SNOO Worth the Money?
That depends.
The SNOO can be a great tool if:
- You are exhausted and need longer naps
- You have older kids or guests and need hands free time
- You want fewer overnight disruptions
If you are renting or it was gifted, even better.
But if you are purchasing at full cost, ask yourself:
- Will the cost feel worth it for just a few months?
- Could in-home support help even more?
There are also other similar products on the market to consider, like the Cradlewise Crib.
SNOO vs. Night Nurse: Which Is Better?
Short answer:
- The SNOO soothes one baby
- Overnight support cares for your entire household
A Night Nurse or Newborn Care Specialist:
- Teaches you sleep foundations
- Helps prevent overtiredness
- Guides feeding, routine, and recovery
- Addresses growth spurts and regressions
- Supports you emotionally
A smart bassinet cannot teach independence. A professional can.
Long-Term Considerations
The SNOO’s swaddle restricts movement, which:
- Can delay rolling practice
- May limit time on the hips and shoulders
- Reduces chances to build transitional sleep skills
Once rolling attempts begin, discontinue motion and swaddling immediately.
Final Verdict: Should You Use the SNOO?
Sure, if you want to — as a tool. Not a lifestyle.
Use freely for 0–6 weeks.
Use weaning mode for 6–12 weeks.
Stop using the motion/swaddle once rolling emerges.
Control how you use the SNOO, not the other way around.
And when you are ready to help your baby sleep independently?
