Head-to-head comparison
SNOO vs Regular Bassinet
The most polarizing baby purchase in NYC.
The most polarizing baby purchase in NYC. Half of UES parents swear the SNOO saved their sanity. The other half say it's a $1,700 bassinet that their baby hated. Here's the honest breakdown.
Option A
SNOO Smart Bassinet
$1,695 (or rent $159/mo)
Pros
✓Automatically responds to crying with motion + white noise
✓Safest sleep surface — built-in swaddle prevents rolling
✓Parent reports: 1-2 extra hours of sleep per night (when it works)
✓Rental option makes it financially reasonable
✓High resale value if you buy ($800-1000 used)
Cons
✗$1,695 to buy outright — absurd for 5 months of use
✗Some babies HATE the motion and cry more
✗Only usable for ~5 months (outgrown by 6mo)
✗Creates dependency — transition out can be rough
✗Takes up space — it's bigger than you think
Option B
Graco Pack 'n Play Bassinet
$75
Pros
✓$75 — 1/22 the cost of SNOO
✓Doubles as travel crib for years after
✓No transition anxiety — baby learns to self-soothe earlier
✓Folds flat for storage or travel
✓Every grandparent, nanny, and sitter knows how to use it
Cons
✗No auto-soothing — you are the SNOO
✗Just a box — no smart features
✗Mattress pad is thin (upgrade recommended)
✗Not as aesthetically pleasing
✗You will be awake more (probably)
The verdict
So which one should you get?
Rent the SNOO ($159/mo × 5 months = $795) instead of buying. If your baby loves it, you got 5 months of better sleep for less than buying. If your baby hates it, return it. Never buy the SNOO outright — the rental is the smart NYC move.
Get the SNOO Smart Bassinet if:
RENT (don't buy) the SNOO if you can afford $159/mo and want to try the auto-soothing. Return if baby doesn't like it.
View SNOO Smart Bassinet →Get the Graco Pack 'n Play Bassinet if:
Get the Pack 'n Play if you prefer simplicity, want to save $1,600, and are OK with more hands-on soothing.
View Graco Pack 'n Play Bassinet →Affiliate disclosure: Product links go to Amazon. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.