How to Transition from SNOO to Crib
When preparing for a baby, it is pretty common to spend LOTS and LOTS of time researching different baby products. With my first, I remember going down a rabbit hole with almost every registry item, to make sure I picked the perfect one! The truth is, there are a lot of things you think you need that you don’t actually need and probably could have easily done without. Maybe even some items you never even used! At the same time, there are other baby items that you don’t need but can certainly be nice to have. One of those is the SNOO Smart Sleep Bassinet!
What we’ll cover:
What is the SNOO?
How to prepare for the SNOO to crib transition
How to transition from the SNOO to a crib
What is the SNOO?
The SNOO Smart Sleep Bassinet is a baby product sold by Happiest Baby and designed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Carp. The SNOO is designed for newborn babies through 6 months old, or once a baby can get on their hands and knees. There is also an App that allows you to control the SNOO remotely, track your baby’s sleep patterns, and set custom settings. The SNOO has different modes, including newborn and a weaning phase.
How does the SNOO work?
Dr. Harvey Karp is known for the 5 S’s to soothe a sleeping baby, and the SNOO incorporates 3 of those: swaddling, shushing, and swinging. The SNOO has a built in swaddle system that also secures a baby on their back, preventing them from rolling over. The SNOO has speakers that provide white noise. The SNOO also activates a rocking motion that can run throughout the entire night. The motion and white noise change intensity when it detects a crying or fussy baby. All of these features may be helpful when it comes to calming a baby back to sleep. All of these features also make for a bassinet in a price range that may not be feasible for everyone, so remember, it’s not a “must have” baby item. Also, the SNOO does not replace the human interaction needed for feedings, diaper changes, etc.
How to prepare for the SNOO to crib transition
Like all bassinets, the SNOO is not going to be a product you use forever. At some point, your baby will outgrow their SNOO and it will be time to transition them to a crib or other safe sleep space. Before officially making the transition, there are some things you can do to prepare you and your baby to make the transition as smooth as possible. It’s recommended that you start the SNOO transition process around 1 month before your baby is no longer within the SNOO’s safe sleep usage recommendations.
Before the transition:
Give your baby time to get comfortable in their new sleep space. Make the time enjoyable! During wake time, you can let your baby play in their crib. Put on some music, bring their favorite toys, sing and talk to them - whatever makes your little one cheery!
If your baby’s crib will be in a different room than they are used to sleeping in, move the SNOO to the room your baby will be transitioning to. You may choose to also sleep with them in their new sleep space. (Check out this blog for info on safe sleep and room sharing.)
Make sure you have a white noise machine to replace the white noise that was automatically provided by the SNOO itself. You won’t need this until you actually make the transition out of the SNOO but you can never be too ready
Decide how you want to respond to your baby if/when they need help during the transition. While sleeping in the SNOO, the bassinet itself is designed to soothe your baby. Once you transition to a crib, you’ll want to have an approach you feel comfortable with to respond to your baby to help them get quality sleep!
How to make the SNOO to crib transition
Along with the prep for the SNOO to crib transition, there are steps you can follow to actually make the transition itself.
Discontinue using the built-in swaddle. This blog has information all about swaddling for sleep. With the SNOO, you can choose to take a cold turkey approach or do “arms out” for a few nights before discontinuing the swaddle altogether.
Use the SNOO’s weaning mode. In this mode, the bassinet plays the white noise, and the motion will only be activated when it detects the baby crying. This mode will help your baby sleep without the ongoing rocking all night, but instead will be rocked only for comfort.
Fade to using the white noise feature only. After a week of using the weaning mode, you can discontinue that mode altogether and use the white noise feature only. Remember, once you get to this step, you’ll want to have an approach to respond to your baby if they need help being comforted.
Finally, transition to the crib! You can do this gradually by putting your baby to sleep in their crib for their first stretch of the night. Then, after the first waking, move them to the SNOO. Or, you can discontinue using the SNOO completely and use your chosen approach to teach your baby to sleep without moving them back into the SNOO.
Making any sleep transition - whether it’s from the SNOO to a crib, crib to a bed, or nap transition - can feel like a big step! The good news is you don’t have to do it alone if you’re feeling like you could use a helping hand. Book a free consultation with me to chat about my sleep support packages! I can’t wait to help you and your baby get the sleep you need!
