Dr. Harvey Karp, the pediatrician behind Happiest Baby company, is known for his innovative smart bassinet called Snoo, which has become popular among celebrities like Serena Williams, Ashton Kutcher, and Beyoncé. The bassinet is designed to create a womb-like environment for newborns, helping them sleep better and safer. The $1,700 price tag may seem expensive, but Dr. Karp also offers a rental option for around $160 a month. The goal of the Snoo is not just to save parents time but also to potentially save lives, as it is designed to prevent sleep-related deaths in infants.
Snoo is not just about providing a good night’s sleep for babies; it is also about creating a safe sleep environment. With around 3,500 babies dying from sleep-related causes each year, Dr. Karp developed Snoo to keep infants sleeping on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. The device has gained widespread recognition and is used in over 75 hospitals, receiving FDA approval in 2023. Dr. Karp’s ultimate goal is to have insurance companies cover the cost of the bassinet, making it more accessible to all families.
Dr. Karp’s inspiration for the Snoo came from the alarming statistics of infant deaths due to SIDS. He saw a need for a solution that could help prevent these tragedies and improve infant sleep patterns. Despite the initial skepticism surrounding the high cost of the Snoo, Dr. Karp is working on partnerships with insurance companies and Medicaid programs to make the bassinet more affordable and available to families who need it the most.
The Snoo has been met with some criticism, with some people comparing it to letting a robot take care of their children. However, for many parents, the Snoo provides much-needed support and assistance, especially for those who lack a traditional support system. Dr. Karp recognizes the challenges faced by modern parents who often have to juggle multiple responsibilities without the help of extended family members. Through partnerships with insurance companies and government programs, Dr. Karp hopes to make Snoo more accessible to families in need.
Despite its success, the Snoo has faced imitation and competition from other products on the market. Dr. Karp acknowledges that imitation is flattering and a sign of innovation, but he believes that the unique features of the Snoo, such as its nuanced motion and sound adjustments, set it apart from other bassinets. The company is also focused on expanding its reach through partnerships and collaborations to make the Snoo available to a wider audience.
The naming of the Snoo was a collaborative effort between Dr. Karp, his wife, and their team. While there was initially a disagreement over the name, with Dr. Karp favoring “Yawn,” they ultimately settled on “Snoo,” which was suggested by a team member. Naming the product was important to convey its purpose and uniqueness, and the team put thought into finding a name that resonated with their vision for the smart bassinet. The success of the Snoo not only demonstrates Dr. Karp’s dedication to improving infant sleep and safety but also the power of innovation and collaboration in creating solutions for modern parenting challenges.
