Babies are individuals. Some are shy, some outgoing, some sensitive and others surfer dudes, unfazed by the bustle around them. 

Likewise, for soothing and sleep…some need sucking, some white noise, some jiggling and others need all 5 S’s (vigorously!) to calm.

So, if your infant doesn’t instantly quiet in SNOO, try our tips:

1. Be patient with “older babies.” 

If your little guy is over 6-8 weeks, he may need 4-5 days to get used to the new motion and sound. The more he sleeps in SNOO (naps and nights), the sooner it should comfort him. 

2. Put your baby down…asleep.

We’ve learned that babies used to falling asleep on mom or dad need time to adjust. Got a hunch that’s your situation? Try this: When it’s almost bed/naptime, snug your baby in the SNOO sack, feed her well and offer a paci (if she likes it) and rock her into a deep sleep. Then, gently transfer her to SNOO. Use your Happiest Baby app to set the motion on a low level, purple or blue.  After 4-5 days of naps/nights in SNOO, her new surroundings should begin feeling familiar.   

3. Build happy SNOO memories. 

Start planning 3-4 fun times in SNOO each day. For example, give a delicious massage in there—then take him out for a cuddle. Loving touch can help him associate good vibes with SNOO!

4. Learn the cues. 

SNOO won’t calm fussing…when your baby needs YOU! Check if he’s hungry, hot, cold or needs a new diaper. Once you meet his needs, he'll likely soothe and snooze. (If he continues to fuss no matter what you do, check with your doctor.)

5. Trust yourself. 

If SNOO can calm your baby, it usually happens within a minute. So, if by 60 seconds your mom/dad sense tells you SNOO isn’t doing the trick…take her out, soothe her and then lay her down again calm. (BTW, SNOO automatically turns off if any crying lasts over 3-minutes! But, you never need to wait that long if it doesn’t feel right.) 

6. Swaddle with the arms down. 

Snug wrapping helps babies settle faster. If your wiggly worm gets an arm loose—inside the SNOO sack—that’s your cue to tighten the inner band. Also, ensure the bottom of the inner band covers part of his hand. Most babies sleep better arms down for at least 3-4 months. (FYI, our large SNOO sack has openings for older babies’ arms to be free.)

7. Help your baby learn day from night. 

Our test families told us that their babies woke more at night if they took long daytime naps (and didn’t eat enough). So, it’s good to keep naps to under 2-hours. You’ll get more calories in and reduce night waking from hunger.

8. Try food, louder white noise or a paci.

Some babies need 1-2 extra feedings to be ready to sleep…even if they just ate! Others need it noisy to calm down. So, you might run a hair dryer 6” away for a few minutes, if SNOO just isn’t soothing her. Or, offer a paci to see if that solves the mystery! (If you’re nursing, it’s best to wait until she's sucking well before using pacifiers or bottles.) Bonus: Falling asleep with a paci is shown to lower a baby’s risk for SIDS!

 

 

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.