02/15/2022
Let’s talk about smart motion bassinets! Obviously, the SNOO is the most recognized smart motion bassinet on the market. Another option that I am seeing more often is the 4 Moms Mamaroo Bassinet (not to be confused with the Mamaroo swing, they also offer a flat bassinet by the same name.)
There is an article going around discussing a variety of reasons to avoid these products. While these reasons absolutely have merit, the decision to use or not use the SNOO or other smart bassinet is not quite that black and white.
Its important to remember that many new parents do not have overnight support and sleep deprivation in the first 6-12 weeks can be a real challenge. When in such need of sleep, new parents may find themselves feeling desperate enough to bring their baby into bed with them or fall asleep while holding baby, creating a major safety concern. For parents without overnight support, the SNOO can be a useful tool, especially for high sensory needs babies, but…like any other sleep tool, it has its pros and cons and best practices for use.
If your family chooses the use the SNOO, one easy step I recommend is to keep your SNOO in weaning mode from day one. In weaning mode, the bassinet will only gently rock baby when baby actually needs soothing as opposed to providing motion at all times. By only kicking on when baby wakes or is having trouble settling, you are able to avoid some of the dependence that babies may experience having only learned to sleep with motion. This also helps prevent overstimulation in some babies who are more sensitive to the constant motion.
Does your little one use the SNOO or other smart motion bassinet? I would love to hear your feedback!
