Why the SNOO Bassinet Just Got Official FDA Approval—and Has Had Ours All Along

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SNOO is the first FDA-approved device that keeps babies sleeping on their backs

Parents of infants will try just about anything to get their baby to sleep, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety above all else, including convenience. But when there’s a solution that’s convenient and promotes safe sleep, it’s sure to catch our eye—and that of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet from Happiest Baby is a top choice among shoppers and our parenting editors alike—it wowed us in our test of the best bassinets, impressing us with its ingenious rocking and soothing technology. And now there's one more reason to love this smart sleeper: The SNOO recently received the FDA’s De Novo classification, meaning that it’s the first government-approved baby bed on the market that keeps infants sleeping safely on their backs.

Buy Now: Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, $1695; amazon.com, happiestbaby.com, potterybarnkids.com

Safe sleep is a primary concern for parents of infants: Each year, 3,500 babies tragically die from sleep-related deaths, like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Per the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines, babies should be put to sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface—such as a crib, bassinet, or playard—with no loose items, like a blanket or stuffed animal, around.

The SNOO bassinet earned this FDA approval thanks to its organic cotton swaddles, three of which are included with your purchase. These unique swaddles have wings that attach to the bassinet’s built-in safety clips, preventing the baby from rolling onto their stomach while sleeping, according to Happiest Baby. Plus, the smart bassinet is programmed not to turn on if the safety clips are not properly secured. An additional safety note: The bassinet is designed to be used from birth up to 6 months old or when the baby can get on their hands and knees, whichever comes first.

Beyond the swaddle—which is easy to secure in all three sizes with its hook-and-loop closures—there’s plenty more to love about the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, as we’ve discovered through lab and at-home testing. To create a womb-like environment, it plays calming white noise and gently rocks your baby. Uniquely, the bassinet itself picks up on your baby’s cries, increasing the volume and rocking speed to soothe them back to sleep.

Since it’s Wi-Fi-enabled, caregivers can control the volume and speed from the comfort of their own beds via a smartphone app. During our test of the SNOO, one of our editors particularly loved this feature, calling it a “joy” when she was able to use it with her infant while she experienced postpartum complications. Plus, the handy app allows you to track your baby’s sleeping patterns and further customize the bassinet to their needs. In our test, one of our editors was able to used the app to successfully find optimal sleep times for her baby, whose sleep has markedly improved.

We also love the SNOO’s gorgeous mid-century modern look, which goes with just about any home decor style. The white mesh and wooden paneling are incredibly appealing, and the mesh is breathable to boot. The bassinet is also easy to assemble: Just pop in the legs, plug it in, download the app, and secure your baby in the swaddle.

While the bassinet is definitely a splurge, it is a best-in-class product and comes with several extras: three hip-safe swaddles, an organic cotton sheet, a bassinet mattress with a water-resistant cover, and virtual access to sleep consultants. The company also offers a rental program starting at $159 per month.

Read Next: How to Get a Baby to Sleep: 10 Tips From Parenting Editors