Rent or Buy Snoo: Pros and Cons to Consider

If you’re a new parent, you may have heard about the Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet and its reputation for being a lifesaver during those early newborn days. However, with the introduction of a rental option, you may be wondering if you should rent or buy a Snoo outright.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of renting versus purchasing a Snoo new. It also includes tips for saving money on a Snoo and a discussion of buying or reselling a used Snoo. Whether you’re a math-savvy parent looking to crunch the numbers or unsure of where to start, this article will help you make an informed decision about whether renting or buying a Snoo is right for you.

Key Takeaways

• Renting a Snoo can be more cost-effective for short-term use.
• Buying a Snoo can be more cost-effective for long-term use or for multiple children.
• Reselling a used Snoo is a viable option for recouping some of your investment.

What is a Snoo?

The Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet is a smart bassinet created by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp that responds to your baby’s cries with soothing motion and sounds. It also has a gentle baseline motion that rocks your baby all night long, operating only once the corresponding swaddle clips are engaged, making it one of the safest baby sleep bassinets on the market. The Snoo is designed to help soothe your baby back to sleep, saving you from having to get up.

The Snoo adjusts to your baby’s needs, using different motions and sounds depending on whether your baby is crying or just stirring. It features a Snoo swaddle that keeps your baby safely sleeping on its back. As your baby grows, you can transition to swaddling with one or two arms out to prepare for the transition to the crib. The Snoo is programmed with a transition mode to help make weaning off the device simple.

When should you stop using the Snoo?

The Snoo is recommended for use up to 6 months of age. At around 6 months, babies may start pushing up on their hands and knees, which makes bassinets a fall risk (though less so with the Snoo since the swaddle is strapped down). Happiest Baby also says that babies likely don’t need motion for sleep after about 6 months. It’s important to transition your baby to a crib or other sleeping arrangement once they outgrow the Snoo to ensure their safety and comfort.

In summary, the Snoo is a safe and smart sleeper bassinet that helps soothe your baby with gentle rocking and white noise. It’s designed to be used for the first 6 months of your baby’s life and can be transitioned to prepare for the move to a crib. Knowing when to stop using the Snoo is important for your baby’s safety and sleep patterns.

Renting vs. Buying Snoo Costs

How much does it cost to rent a Snoo?

If you’re considering renting a Snoo, you should know that it costs $159 per month for the first four months. After that, you’ll pay $49 per month for months five and six. Additionally, you’ll be charged a cleaning fee of $99.50 and a return shipping fee of $59.50. You’ll also need to pay a refundable deposit of $99. This means that for a three-month rental, you’ll pay $636 plus the deposit, and for a six-month rental, you’ll pay $893 plus the deposit.

How much does it cost to buy a Snoo?

If you’re thinking about buying a Snoo, you should know that the cost of a new Snoo is $1695 before taxes. However, it’s important to note that there are ways to save money on the purchase price. For example, you can look for sales and discounts on the Snoo throughout the year. For instance, during Mother’s Day, the brand offered up to 30% off, making the Snoo Bassinet just $1,186.50.

It’s also worth noting that whether you choose to rent or buy a Snoo, you’ll likely have added accessory costs. Each Snoo comes with one swaddle in each size and one sheet, but you’ll probably need to purchase extra sheets and swaddles. While you can save money by buying off-brand sheets, the swaddles are proprietary and only sold by the company. To save money on swaddles, consider looking for secondhand sheets and swaddles on Facebook Marketplace.

Overall, renting a Snoo can be a cheaper option than buying one at full price. Compared to buying a Snoo at full-retail price, you can save $1059 with a 3-month rental and $802 with the recommended 6-month rental (as of July 2022). However, if you’re planning on having more children, it may be more cost-effective to buy a Snoo instead of renting one.

Pros & Cons of Buying a Snoo (vs. Renting)

Pros of Buying a Snoo Instead of Renting:

• New Product: When you buy a Snoo, you are the first and only owner of the device. This means that you will receive a brand new product with a one-year warranty and customer support.

• Resell to Recoup Money: Since you own the Snoo outright, you can resell it used once you are done with it. This is a great way to recoup some of the initial costs of buying the Snoo.

• It Belongs to You: Owning the Snoo gives you peace of mind knowing that you are the owner of the device. You don’t have to worry about returning it undamaged or paying any additional fees.

• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee: Only when you buy the Snoo are you eligible for a 30-day trial period with free returns. If you rent and your baby doesn’t like it, you’re still out the initial rental costs.

• No Returning Hassle: You don’t have to worry about keeping boxes and shipping the Snoo back if you buy instead of rent.

Cons of Buying a Snoo Instead of Renting:

• Really Expensive: The biggest drawback to buying the Snoo outright is the big upfront cost. This thing is expensive. However, keep in mind that you can recoup some of the costs by reselling it used.

• No Guarantee Your Baby Will Like It: It is a huge investment to make before knowing if your baby will like the device. However, the 30-day trial period with free returns can help alleviate some of this risk.

Overall, buying a Snoo instead of renting has its pros and cons. If you have the budget to buy the Snoo outright and want the peace of mind of owning the device, then buying may be the right choice for you. However, if you are on a tight budget or are unsure if your baby will like the Snoo, renting may be a better option.

Pros & Cons of Renting a Snoo (vs. Buying)

Pros of Renting a Snoo Instead of Buying:

• Affordable: Renting a Snoo is cheaper than buying one at full price. You can save about $800 over full-price if you rent for six months instead of buying.

• Convenient: The rental process is streamlined and easy. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of selling a used Snoo later.

• Environmentally-Friendly: Renting a Snoo is more environmentally friendly than selling more new Snoos because Snoos being used for multiple babies.

• Quality Checked: Every rental Snoo is thoroughly cleaned and quality checked between rentals.

• Ongoing Customer Service: You’ll have access to Happiest Baby customer service and support for the duration of your rental.

Cons of Renting a Snoo Instead of Buying:

• Still Expensive: Renting a Snoo is still a large investment. You’ll likely pay at least $500 more renting a Snoo compared to buying a simple bassinet.

• Store Packaging: You have to store the large box until it’s time to send it back.

• No Recouping Costs: You can’t sell the Snoo after to recoup some money like you would with one you bought (though you could resell the sheet and swaddles).

• Possible Damage Liability: You’ll be liable for damage outside normal wear and tear.

• Not New: Other families will have used the Snoo before you.

Renting a Snoo has its pros and cons. It is more affordable, convenient, and environmentally-friendly than buying one. You’ll also have access to customer service and support for the duration of your rental. However, renting a Snoo is still expensive, and you’ll have to store the large box until it’s time to send it back. You also can’t recoup any costs by selling it after use, and you’ll be liable for damage outside normal wear and tear. Lastly, the Snoo won’t be new since other families will have used it before.

How Do You Buy a Snoo?

If you’re looking to purchase a Snoo, there are a few ways to do so. You can buy it directly through Happiest Baby or through popular online retailers, such as Amazon or Target.

Tips for Saving Money When Buying a Snoo:

If you’re looking to save some money on your Snoo purchase, there are a few things you can do:

• Buy with Rakuten: If you start your shopping through the cash-back website Rakuten, you’ll receive 3% cash back on your purchase (as of July 2022). This could save you about $85. If you’re new to Rakuten, this referral link also gives you a $30 new member bonus.

• Keep an Eye Out for Sales: Snoo periodically runs 20% off sales throughout the year. You can buy early and delay its shipping until closer to your due date to take advantage of sales.

• Use Your Registry Completion Discount: Use your baby registry completion discount to get a percent off the Snoo. Amazon Registry, Target Registry and Babylist all offer a 15% completion discounts.

• Put It In Your Cart: But don’t buy it just yet. Happiest Baby has been known to email out discounts if you leave the Snoo in your cart for a few days to entice you to buy.

For more saving tips, see this post on 12 Ways to Save Money on a Snoo.

When Does the Snoo Go on Sale?

Snoos periodically go on sale throughout the year. In the past, Happiest Baby has run sales on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Black Friday, World Sleep Day, their Anniversary and Labor Day. It has been noted on forums that sales have become a bit more infrequent in the last year, possibly due to supply chain issues. Sales are usually for 15-20% off.

Does Snoo Have a Buy Back Program?

No, Happiest Baby does not offer a buy back program for Snoos. Their rental program fulfills this space for parents who want to return their Snoos to the company after they’re done with it.

In summary, buying a Snoo is an easy process, and you can purchase it directly from Happiest Baby or through popular online retailers. By using Rakuten, keeping an eye out for sales, using registry completion discounts, and leaving the Snoo in your cart, you can save money on your purchase. Snoos go on sale periodically throughout the year, and sales are usually for 15-20% off. While Happiest Baby does not offer a buy back program, their rental program allows parents to return their Snoos to the company after they’re done with it.

How Do You Rent a Snoo?

If you want to rent a Snoo, you can do so easily through the Happiest Baby rental program. You can simply visit their website and place an order as you would for any other purchase. The rental program includes a cleaning fee and refundable deposit in the order.

Where do you rent a Snoo?

Most people rent Snoos directly through the Happiest Baby company. Alternatively, you may be able to informally rent a Snoo from a friend or social contact, although these rentals are usually facilitated through personal connections.

Can you buy the Snoo after renting?

At present, Happiest Baby does not offer a rent-to-own program or any option for purchasing a Snoo after renting it. If you decide you want a Snoo after your rental period, you would need to purchase a new one.

During the rental period, you will be charged on a monthly basis until you return the Snoo. You will need to keep the original shipping box and return the item in that box to avoid paying an extra $48.25 for a new return box. Additionally, you will need to pay a return shipping fee of $59.50.

If you decide to cancel your rental, you will receive a refund for any unused rental period. However, you will be charged a reconditioning fee of $199 if the Snoo is not returned in good condition. If you have any questions or concerns about the rental program, you can contact Happiest Baby customer service for assistance.

Reselling Your Used Snoo

If you buy a Snoo instead of renting one, you can resell it once you no longer need it. Snoos retain their value well, and they often sell quickly on Facebook yard sale groups. However, with the introduction of the rental program, fewer people are buying Snoos new. This means that the supply of used Snoos has decreased, making them more in demand and commanding a higher cost than in previous years.

How much is a used Snoo?

On average, used Snoos resell for between $650-$1000. However, prices can fluctuate a lot due to the quick turnover of secondhand Snoo stock. You may be able to charge more for your used Snoo if you include multiple sets of sleep sacks and sheets.

Below is a snapshot of used Snoo prices around the U.S.:

Location	Price
San Francisco	$800
Chicago	$900
New York City	$950

Where can you resell your used Snoo?

Selling your secondhand Snoo locally is likely the easiest and most profitable option, given the Snoo’s size. Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade groups are prime spots to sell a used Snoo. Many local communities also have parent Facebook groups that are ideal for selling secondhand Snoos. Craigslist also works well for local sales.

While used Snoos do get listed on Mercari and eBay, shipping logistics can be a challenge due to the Snoo’s size. You would need to pack up the Snoo safely to ensure there is no damage in transit, and high shipping costs may reduce the likelihood of making a sale.

Should You Buy a Snoo Used?

If you’re considering buying a Snoo, buying used may seem like a great way to save money. However, there are some risks and drawbacks to consider before making a decision.

Risks of Buying a Snoo Used

Buying a used Snoo carries certain risks that you don’t have to worry about when buying new. First and foremost, you don’t know how extensively the Snoo has been used in its previous life. If it has been heavily used, it may not function as well as a new unit. Additionally, if your Snoo breaks, you won’t have any warranty protection or customer service support. Happiest Baby does not sell replacement parts, so repairs may be complicated and expensive. If the unit is beyond repair, you’ll be out the money with no recourse.

Another risk of buying a used Snoo is the potential for bed bugs. Any soft secondhand item may carry these pests. To mitigate this risk, make sure to steam the unit thoroughly before bringing it into your home.

Lastly, be sure to double-check that the previous owner has performed a reset. This is necessary so that you can sync the Snoo with your phone and account. You can find more details about transferring a Snoo between owners on Happiest Baby’s website.

Is a Snoo Warranty Transferable?

No, Snoo warranties are not transferable to a new owner. The warranty is only valid for the original purchaser. If you purchase a used Snoo, you’ll be without warranty protection and repair support. This is an important consideration, as repairs can be expensive and complicated without the support of the manufacturer.

Given these risks and drawbacks, it may be worth it to buy a new Snoo instead of a used one. While buying used can save you money, the potential risks and lack of warranty protection may not be worth the savings.

Is Renting A Snoo Ever Worth It?

Renting a Snoo may be worth it if you only plan to use it for one child and you don’t want to deal with the secondhand market. Renting a Snoo can save you about $800 compared to buying a new one. Snoo also partners with a number of companies that offer free Snoo rentals to their employees, so if you work at one of these companies, then renting over buying is a no-brainer.

However, if you are unsure if you’ll like the Snoo, taking advantage of their 30-day money back guarantee can be a better option for many people. Trying the Snoo out for only 1-month through the rental program will still cost you $318 plus a $99 refundable deposit. Plus, you’ll have to store all the packaging and take on wear and tear liability.

It’s recommended to wait until you meet your baby before making the rental investment. You may get lucky and have a great sleeper from the jump. This also gives you time to watch for Snoo sales.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether renting a Snoo is worth it for you:

• If you plan to have more than one child, buying a Snoo may be a better long-term investment.
• If you’re comfortable with the secondhand market, buying a used Snoo can save you even more money.
• If you have a tight budget, renting may not be the best option since it’s still a significant investment.
• If you’re concerned about the environmental impact, renting may be a better option since it reduces waste.

Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy a Snoo depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Consider your budget, future plans, and environmental concerns before making a decision.

So, Is it Better to Rent or Buy a Snoo?

If you are trying to decide whether to rent or buy a Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet, buying may be the better option for you. While renting a Snoo may seem like a more affordable option, it still requires a significant investment, even for a short period. Additionally, renting a Snoo comes with the added responsibility of taking on the liability of any damage that may occur during the rental period. You will also have to store all the packaging for months, which can be inconvenient.

On the other hand, buying a Snoo is a more financially advantageous option, especially if you plan to have more than one child. The used Snoo resale market is hot, so you can likely sell your Snoo once your baby outgrows it and make a profit. When factoring in these resale profits, buying a Snoo actually works out to be cheaper than renting. Therefore, you can enjoy the benefits of owning a Snoo while keeping costs comparable to renting.

If you are still undecided about whether to rent or buy a Snoo, check out our analysis of whether you actually need a bassinet at all.