Decision Memo: The Snoo
The $1,700 question. We said no. Here's why - and when it might actually be worth it for you.
Our Verdict: Skip
We didn't buy the Snoo and don't regret it. Our baby slept through the night by 8 weeks using the pause method and a basic bassinet. But I understand why some parents swear by it.
What the Snoo Is
The Snoo is a "smart bassinet" created by Dr. Harvey Karp (the 5 S's guy). It automatically rocks and plays white noise when your baby fusses, theoretically soothing them back to sleep without you getting up.
The pitch:
- Automatically responds to baby's cries with motion + sound
- Keeps baby safely on their back (can't roll)
- Gradually weans motion over time
- "Add 1-2 hours of sleep per night"
The price:
- Buy: ~$1,695 new
- Rent: ~$159/month (minimum 2 months)
- Used: $800-1,200 on resale
Why We Said No
1. The pause method worked for us
From "Bringing Up Bebe" - when baby fusses at night, you wait a beat before responding. Not cry-it-out, just a pause. This teaches them to self-soothe from the start. Forest was sleeping through the night by 8 weeks.
2. Transition anxiety
At some point, you have to move baby to a crib. Many Snoo parents report rough transitions because baby is dependent on the motion. We'd rather not create a dependency we have to break later.
3. The reviews are wildly mixed
For every parent who calls it "life-changing," there's one who says it did nothing. That's a lot of money to gamble on. If it were universally effective, everyone would use it.
4. We're cheap (strategically)
$1,700 for something you use for 6 months max? We'd rather put that money toward a postpartum doula - proven to help, and helps you, not just the baby.
The math
Snoo rental for 4 months: $636. Our postpartum doula for the same period: similar cost, but she also helped with breastfeeding, recovery, and our relationship. No contest.
When the Snoo Might Be Worth It
I'm not saying no one should buy it. Here's when I think it makes sense:
Consider the Snoo if:
- You're a two-income household and sleep = job performance. If exhaustion affects your livelihood, the math changes.
- You have a colicky baby. If your baby cries constantly and nothing soothes them, the Snoo might buy you sanity.
- You have medical sleep issues. Insomnia, sleep apnea, or other conditions that make fragmented sleep dangerous.
- You're a single parent without help. No partner to tap in = higher need for automated soothing.
- You can rent it. $159/month is easier to swallow than $1,700, and you can return it if it doesn't work.
- You got it as a gift. Free Snoo? Obviously use it.
What We Did Instead
Our sleep stack (total cost: ~$350):
Halo BassiNest
Simple, swivels bedside, no motion features. ~$200
Yogasleep White Noise Machine
Mechanical, consistent, no app needed. ~$30
Nested Bean Weighted Sleep Sack
Gentle pressure on chest. ~$35
IKEA Blackout Curtains
Dark room = better sleep. ~$30
The Pause Method
Free. Just willpower. From "Bringing Up Bebe."
Total: ~$295 vs $1,695. And we kept everything for baby #2.
The Real Question
The Snoo isn't really about sleep. It's about anxiety.
If you're terrified about sleep deprivation and willing to pay $1,700 to feel like you're doing something about it, the Snoo provides that comfort. That's not nothing.
But if you're looking for a guaranteed solution, it doesn't exist. Some babies are good sleepers. Some aren't. The Snoo can't change your baby's temperament.
What I tell friends who ask
If you're on the fence, rent it for one month. If it's life-changing, keep renting. If it's not, you're out $159 instead of $1,700. That's the smart play.
Final Verdict
| Factor | Our Take |
|---|---|
| Value for money | Low. Too expensive for mixed results. |
| Effectiveness | Varies wildly. Works great for some, does nothing for others. |
| Transition | Can create dependency. Weaning mode helps but isn't magic. |
| Alternative | Pause method + basic sleep stack worked for us. |
| Recommendation | Rent if curious. Buy only if money is no object or you have a colicky baby. |
Our decision: We skipped it, used the pause method, and our baby slept through the night at 8 weeks. But your mileage may vary. That's kind of the whole point.
Not gospel
This is one family's experience. If the Snoo worked for you, that's great. If you're considering it, I hope this helps you make a decision. There's no wrong answer - only what works for your family.