Halo Bassinest vs Snoo (Which One Is Worth It?)

Comparing the Halo Bassinest vs Snoo Smart Bassinet is like comparing oranges to apples. 

They’re both fruits but they’re of different types. They have their own benefits, flair and well, taste.

So in this article, you’re going to learn not only the SNOO’s and Halo’s distinct differences but also their:

  • Similarities
  • Pros and Cons
  • Feedback from parents

I’ve researched and included here some comments, praises, and complaints of parents from popular online parenting groups and forums. So as to give you a more solid idea of how these 2 bassinets actually work and benefit their lives.

Let’s start first with the selling point of the Halo vs Snoo bassinet.

I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

What is the SNOO Smart Sleeper?

The SNOO is a popular smart bassinet that’s considered the holy grail of bassinets, according to most parents.

It’s widely known for its hands-off soothing features. 

It’s basically like a night nurse that sways and shushes your baby to sleep. It also comes with a mobile app where you can track your baby’s sleep. 

This feature is useful so you can get a better gauge of when your baby is supposed to go down for their naps or nighttime sleep, so they don’t get overtired and cranky.

What is the HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0?

The HALO Bassinest is a brand-new bassinet released last May 2022, that can swivel 360 degrees. 

It also comes with an adjustable height feature. So you can place the bassinet close to your bed, swivel it towards your comfort your baby then swivel it away when needed.

It also has a collapsible lowering wall, which is helpful for breastfeeding and c-section moms to easily access their baby, without having to get up again and again.

The HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 can also be detached from its frame, turning it into a portable bassinet!

So you can carry it anywhere in the house, even in the bathroom, when your baby needs to see you while you take a bath!

In A Hurry? We Recommend..

It depends on your priorities. The SNOO is all about soothing your baby, hands-free. While HALO is all about easy access to your baby.

Halo Bassinest vs Snoo: Feature Comparison Table

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the features of the Halo Bassinest vs Snoo.

FeaturesHALO Bassinest 3.0SNOO Smart Bassinet 
SpecsDimentions: 47 x 47 x 44.5 inches
Weight: 28.4 pounds/ 13 kg
Dimensions: 35.75” L × 19” W × 31” H (with legs)
Weight: 38 lbs/ 17kg
IncludesMattress and cover3 sleeping sacks, mattress and cover, Unlimited access to sleep consultants
Certified SafeYesYes
Easy Access to BabyYesSomewhat
Soothing FeaturesNot AvailableAvailable
Mobile AppNot AvailableAvailable
Trial PeriodNot Available30 day trial – money back guarantee
MaintenanceSpot clean onlySpot clean only
RentalNot Available on Halo websiteAvailable on SNOO website
PriceExpensiveA whole lotta effin’ expensive
Age Limit5 months or until your baby starts rolling and/or pulling themselves up6 months or until your baby starts rolling and/or pulling themselves up
Easy to AssembleYesYes
Warranty1 year-limited warranty period1 year-limited warranty period

Below is a more detailed info on the differences between the Snoo vs Halo Bassinest.

Snoo vs Halo Bassinest: Differences

Let’s dive in a little deeper about the difference between Snoo vs Halo Bassinest.

Specs

Snoo Bassinet

  • Dimensions: 35.75” L × 19” W × 31” H (with legs)
  • Weight: 38 lbs/ 17kg

HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0

  • Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 44.5 inches
  • Weight: 28.4 pounds/ 13 kg

Includes

The Snoo includes 3 sleeping sacks in 3 different sizes (S, M, L), a mattress, and a water-resistant cover. PLUS all-time access to their sleep consultants for any tips and advice in using SNOO>

While the latest HALO BassiNest includes only a mattress and a cover.

Safety

Both the SNOO and HALO bassinest have breathable mesh walls, which makes it easier to check on your baby.

Both also meet safety government regulations. 

SNOO is JPMA certified and meets ASTM requirements while Halo meets CPSC, ASTM, and Health Canada requirements for bassinets and also carries the JPMA certification seal.

Both follow the AAP safety standards of having a firm flat mattress.

So in general, they’re both considered safe for your baby, even for newborns.

But SNOO has more safety tools in its belt – it comes with sleeping sack swaddles that are made from organic cotton.

These swaddles prevent your baby from rolling or putting themselves in an unsafe position.

The SNOO bassinet won’t even work properly unless you clip the swaddles properly!

Related Article: How Many SNOO Sacks Do I Need?

This guarantees that your baby will stay safely on their back, the whole time they’re sleeping.

Some parents do find the velcro in these swaddles quite troublesome when they’re doing diaper changes. But it’s a minor inconvenience to have, especially when it concerns the safety of your baby.

Halo, on the other hand, has some parents noticing a slight tilt on its bassinet. This is concerning as the baby ends up being pressed on one side. 

Some parents already complained of having to move their baby’s in the middle of the bassinet, multiple times throughout the night.

Halo did address that concern on their FAQ page and even on some popular websites:

“The HALO BassiNest is different from all other traditional, stationary bassinets on the market. Because it swivels 360° and rotates, there is sometimes a slight tilt. Some people interpret this tilt as problematic, but it is well within the standards of accepted angles for these types of products. In addition, the front sidewall that lowers is slightly shorter than the back sidewall, which can create the perception of additional tilt. Rest assured that the BassiNest Swivel Sleeper meets all applicable CPSC, ASTM, and Health Canada requirements for the U.S. and Canada. It carries the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification seal. The BassiNest has met and exceeded all regulatory testing, and we actually submit to additional testing beyond what is required for Bassinets and co-sleepers.”

If you’re worried about the tilt, they do recommend “moving the BassiNest to its lowest height setting and placing the sleep surface in the non-swiveled out position.”

This apparently minimizes the slight tilt.

Or you can also purchase their BassiNest Newborn Insert, which can help in preventing your baby from rolling.

Access to Baby

This is where HALO beats SNOO – its accessibility. 

  • You can’t swivel the SNOO on your bed nor move it away. 
  • You can’t also easily move the SNOO around or carry it with you when you need to take a bath with your clingy baby.
  • You also need to keep standing up and bending down all the time when you need to take in and out your baby in the SNOO.

Not with the HALO.

The HALO’s 360° swivel feature and easy lowering wall let you easily access your baby, right beside you, ON YOUR BED, without having to get up!

You swivel the HALO bassinest right next to you, on the bed, lower down the wall, take your baby then feed or comfort them.

Then you can swivel away the bassinet anytime!

You can also adjust its height and can slide over beds that are 23.5” to 30” high. You can tuck its legs partially under the bed if you have the space.

You can also detach the bassinet from its frame and make it into a portable lounger.

So you can put your baby anywhere in the house, even in the bathroom!

It’s not travel-friendly though, but the bassinet is light enough to be carried anywhere in the house.

Related Article: How To Travel with SNOO

Soothing Features

This is SNOO’s most powerful feature – it can soothe your baby by automatically rocking them and playing white noise.

It’s why it’s considered the holy grail of bassinets. It can calm your baby even when you’re not there!

It can automatically increase the level of rocking and the white sound noise to soothe your baby. 

If your baby is still crying, it will stop after a few minutes. 

That’s your cue to swoop in and see if your baby needs a diaper change or a feeding.

Take note though that SNOO is not a magical bassinet, guaranteed to make your baby go to sleep every time.

Some parents said it doesn’t work for them.

And yes, some babies have difficulty sleeping anywhere. 

But for most parents, it’s considered a big help – a lifesaver. Especially for those doing solo parenting or that have twins!

The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 doesn’t have any automatic or soothing features such as vibration mode or music.

But a lot of parents don’t really care much for those features.

Some shared that the vibration mode or music in other Halo models didn’t work to soothe their babies or didn’t even work at all!

That’s probably why the Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper 3.0 doesn’t have any of those features.

Although some wished that it came with a battery-operated swivel or auto-adjust height feature.

Mobile App

Halo doesn’t have any app but SNOO does. 

Which is pretty helpful in letting you do a lot of things such as:

  • Adjust the bassinet’s motion and sound level
  • Record and track baby’s sleeping patterns
  • Notifies you if your baby needs to be comforted by you
  • Preemie Mode
  • Weaning Feature

Most parents with twins find the SNOO more worthwhile. 

Especially when tracking their baby’s sleeping pattern to know their wake windows.

Trial Period

SNOO has a 30-day trial – money-back guarantee period. While Halo doesn’t offer it.

Maintenance

Both the HALO and Snoo bassinet are recommended only for spot cleaning. They can only be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

But some parents have found ways on how to clean these bassinets.

Especially when it’s bought 2nd hand or when they want to avoid some cleaning fees when renting the SNOO.

You can check out the various ways on how to clean the bassinet right there. You can also see there are some ways to clean a bassinet mattress.

But take note that its warranty will be affected once you take out everything and do a deep cleaning.

Both have machine-washable mattress covers. 

Rental

Halo doesn’t officially offer any rental service but you can find some online. 

While you can rent a SNOO on their website.

The rental fee is not that cheap though, but it is less expensive than buying a brand new SNOO>

The rental fee includes a security deposit, cleaning fee plus return shipping fee.

Plus according to some parents, you’ll pay less rental fees on the 5th and 6th months.

Some parents found some services online that let you rent a SNOO for a cheaper price. But you have to handle the cleaning.

Price

You can buy 7 Halo bassinets for the money you’re going to spend on the SNOO.

That’s how expensive the latter bassinet is.

You can buy a whole lot of other baby essentials with that money!

So a lot of parents recommend buying it second-hand or renting it.

SNOO has a high resale value so you can get most of your money back when you choose to sell it via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Goodbuy Gear.

The SNOO has a military discount though and you might be able to get a discount for both the Halo and SNOO if you add either one to your Amazon baby registry.

Also look for promo periods, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, etc., to get more discounts.

Similarities of Halo vs SNOO Smart Sleeper

Now let’s take a more detailed look at the similar features of the Halo vs SNOO Smart Sleeper

Age & Weight Limit

Both the Halo Bassinets and SNOO smart sleeper can be used until 5-6 months old. OR until your baby starts getting more mobile – rolling around and trying to sit up.

Assembly

Both the Snoo and Halo Bassinest are moderately easy to assemble but they can be quite heavy though. Especially SNOO.

It’s not recommended to assemble them on your own if you’re pregnant.

Mattress and Cover

Both have a flat, thin mattress with a water-resistant cover.

Warranty

Both the Halo bassinest and Snoo offer a 1 year limited warranty period.

FAQ on Halo vs SNOO Smart Sleeper

Is SNOO better than Halo?

SNOO is better than Halo in terms of soothing your baby automatically and tracking their sleeping patterns

Is anything comparable to the SNOO?

Some smart bassinets (and cribs) that are comparable to the SNOO are the cheaper 4moms mamaRoo Sleep Bassinet and Graco Sense2Snooze.

Do pediatricians recommend SNOO?

The SNOO was invented by a pediatrician and according to some parents online, their pediatricians fully recommend the SNOO. Especially if you have a baby who has difficulty sleeping.

Is the SNOO bassinet really worth it?

The SNOO bassinet is worth it IF it works for your baby.

It’s not considered the holy grail of bassinets by a lot of parents for nothing!
So when it works, it really works. It can make everyone’s life happier – babies get soothed immediately and parents are not that extremely sleep-deprived!

Why are Halo bassinets so popular?

Halo bassinets are popular for their swiveling feature, something that most bassinets don’t have. 
You can choose to have the Halo bassinet lying down on your bed or swivel it away anytime you want.
Plus it has collapsible lowering walls, which makes it easier to scoop up your baby.

Tips and Tricks For Using the SNOO and Halo bassinet

  • Join Snoo’s private groups

They are quite helpful in giving added tips and tricks on using the SNOO. You can also get some SNOO baby monitor recommendations there!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/416690979479029/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/snooparentsgroup/

  • Buy used bassinets

Try Goodbuy Gear, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and even online forums and groups. Ask around if someone is selling their bassinets.

  • Consider other alternatives

There are a lot of other bassinets that are like the SNOO. They might not have the safety swaddles but most come with an auto-respond feature that can shush and lull your baby to sleep.

  • Look out for promotions

Wait for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas promos, and such to get a better deal on your preferred bassinet. Check out some Newborn Baby Deals and Crib Deals right here.

Remember to associate bassinets with napping and sleeping. So as much as possible, when you’re baby is awake, make them do tummy time. It’s beneficial to their development, helping them meet their milestones.

  • Expect transitions to be he hard

Transitioning your baby to a crib is always hard and stressful. At first. Expect it so you won’t get too overwhelmed and worked up when you lose sleep while your baby is having a hard time switching to a crib.

  • Don’t let your cats jump in

They can accidentally tip over the bassinet or worse, suffocate your baby if they sit down on your little one! So find ways to keep your cats out of the bassinet.

Pros and Cons of the SNOO Smart Sleeper vs HALO Bassinest

Here’s a general overview of the advantages and drawbacks of both the SNOO Smart Sleeper vs HALO Bassinest.

Pros of SNOO Smart Sleeper

  • Automatic soothing features
  • Can track your baby’s sleeping patterns

Cons of SNOO Smart Sleeper

  • Super expensive
  • Height can’t be adjusted

HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper 3.0

Pros of HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0

  • 360° swiveling feature
  • Collapsible, lowering mesh wall

Cons of HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0

  • No auto-soothing features
  • Tilts a bit

Halo Bassinest vs Snoo – Which One Should You Get?

If the budget is tight and you can’t imagine yourself getting up several times to bend down to get your baby, then get the Halo Bassinest.

But if you:

  • Have money to burn
  • Want a bassinet that can automatically comfort your baby
  • Want to track your baby’s sleeping patterns

Then we highly recommend the SNOO Smart Sleeper.

I hope this article has enlightened you about the pros and cons and differences between the Halo Bassinest vs Snoo.

And if you love this guide, then make sure to check out our related guides on:

Julie