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Smart bassinets have become one of the most talked-about nursery innovations in recent years. A bassinet that automatically rocks your baby? For sleep-deprived families, anything that offers just a little more sleep can feel genuinely game-changing.
By combining gentle motion, calming sound and responsive technology, they aim to support longer, more settled sleep in the newborn stage.
But as the category has evolved, so have the design approaches. Some smart bassinets prioritise automation and app-based control. Others begin with the fundamentals of safer sleep (such as mattress firmness, ventilation and natural movement) and layer smart features on top.
The SNOO is one of the most recognised names in this space, shaping how many parents think about assisted sleep. The BabyRest Swan Smart Bassinet represents a newer evolution, bringing together the automated soothing parents love with a strong focus on mattress safety and sleep fundamentals.
Both share the same goal: helping families get more rest. They simply approach it from different starting points.
But how do they actually stack up? This comparison will walk you through those differences clearly, so you can feel informed, empowered and completely confident in the choices you make for your baby.
Meet the two smart bassinets you’ll want to know
If you’re comparing smart bassinets, these are two names that come up often, for slightly different reasons. 
Happiest Baby SNOO Smart Sleeper is designed by US brand Happiest Baby and has become one of the most recognised smart bassinets globally. It built its reputation around automated soothing and app-led control, introducing many families to the idea that technology could actively respond when a baby cries. As an American product, it was initially developed to US standards and designed primarily for the US market. In Australia, SNOO is not officially distributed through major local retailers, so many families purchase via importers, rent them or buy through second-hand channels, which can affect local warranty coverage and support.
BabyRest Swan Smart Bassinet is a newly launched smart bassinet designed right here in Australia by BabyRest, a brand that has specialised in baby sleep for more than 50 years. While the Swan is new to the market, it’s built on decades of experience focused on the first place baby sleeps. Developed specifically for Australian and New Zealand families and conditions, the Swan is tested in line with Australian and New Zealand safety standards. Its mattress is Safer Sleep Tested™️ for firmness and CO2 rebreathing - a fundamental consideration in infant sleep safety.
The basics at a glance
|
Feature |
|
|
|
Price (RRP in AUD) |
$799 one-time purchase
|
$1,995 + optional monthly $29.99 app subscription for access to additional features |
|
Ages |
0–6 months |
0–6 months |
|
Included |
x2 mattress protectors |
x3 swaddles, x1 water-resistant cover, x1 fitted sheet |
|
Soothing method |
Automatic motion + sound |
Automatic motion + sound via app |
|
Rocking levels |
3 motion intensity levels |
1 motion level |
|
Sound options |
8 sound options |
5 sound options |
|
Control |
Remote control |
Smartphone app |
|
Mattress testing |
Firmness & CO2 rebreathing tested |
Not publicly disclosed |
|
Swaddle/ harness |
No |
Yes (built-in harness system*) |
|
Height adjustability |
4 height positions |
Not adjustable |
|
Colourways |
White/Natural and White/Walnut |
Standard |
|
Weight |
13.7kg |
17.2kg |
|
Warranty |
3 years (frame & fabric), 1 year electrical |
1 year |
|
Availability in Australia |
Widely available via BabyRest, Baby Bunting & independent stockists |
Limited ranging in independent stockists, via hire company or refurbished |
Sleep & soothing: What actually helps at 3am?
Both bassinets are designed to help calm baby before they fully wake, but they do it differently.
Swan Smart Bassinet
The Swan uses a built-in motion sensor to detect early stirring. When baby starts to wriggle or fuss, it gently rocks automatically, with three adjustable intensity levels. Use one of the eight white noise and lullaby options, and many babies settle without you needing to jump out of bed straight away.
There are no subscription-based app, no menus and no notifications. Just a remote you (or anyone minding the baby - think either parent, grandparents or babysitters) can use one-handed, half-asleep, at 3am.
SNOO Smart Sleeper
The SNOO relies on app-based control and automation. Motion and sound are adjusted through your phone, and the system responds to baby’s cries while they’re secured in the built-in swaddle.
Some parents love the data, the tracking and the feeling of complete automation. Others find the app dependency can add friction during night wakes, especially when more than one parent or carer is involved due to the app.
The takeaway: If you want simple, intuitive help during night wakes, Swan keeps things deliberately easy. If you enjoy app-based control and detailed tracking, SNOO may appeal more.
How connected do you want your bassinet to be?
One of the key differences between smart bassinets is how ‘connected’ they are.
The SNOO operates through a wifi-enabled app, which allows parents to adjust settings and view sleep insights remotely. For many families, this level of smart-home integration is convenient and appealing.
For others who are mindful of digital privacy or data collection in the nursery environment, having an internet-enabled device near their baby might be something they prefer to limit.
The Swan does not connect to wifi or require an app. It operates offline via a remote, without collecting or storing usage data. For parents who prefer a more analogue approach, that simplicity can feel reassuring - particularly during the newborn stage.
Neither approach is right or wrong, it simply comes down to how much technology you're comfortable integrating into your baby’s space. 
Safety & comfort: Where the mattress matters most
In the early months, your baby can spend up to around 16 hours a day sleeping. That makes the sleep surface (not just the motion) incredibly important.
Swan Smart Bassinet
The Swan features a premium Safer Sleep Tested™️ BabyRest mattress that has been tested for Firmness and CO2 rebreathing.
This testing is a cornerstone of BabyRest design. We believe a smart bassinet should never compromise the basics of safer sleep: a firm, supportive surface that allows baby to move naturally.
SNOO Smart Sleeper
The SNOO’s standout feature is its integrated swaddle and harness system, designed to keep baby positioned on their back. Some parents find reassurance in this, particularly in the very early weeks.
However, this approach isn’t for everyone. The harness limits movement and repositioning, and traditionally, swaddling is phased out as babies grow and begin to show signs of rolling. Importantly, the harness does not meet the latest Australian and New Zealand safety standards, making the current model uncompliant until a new model is introduced.
Some parents also choose to avoid prolonged fixed positioning due to concerns around comfort and head shape. There is also the concern that the baby comes to rely on the harness/swaddle system in order to sleep, which can also make the transition to cot a little harder.
The takeaway: the Swan prioritises a safer sleep surface and natural movement, supported by gentle technology. SNOO prioritises positional control through its swaddle system. Neither is ‘right’ for everyone - it comes down to what feels right for your baby and your parenting style.
Ease of use: Real life with a newborn
When you’re sleep-deprived, ease matters.
Swan Smart Bassinet
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Remote control (with built-in storage pocket)
-
Four adjustable height positions
-
Quiet motor with smooth, gentle rocking
-
Three levels of rocking intensity for extra fussy babies
-
Eight lullaby/ white noise options
SNOO Smart Sleeper
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(Subscription-based) app required for full functionality
-
No height adjustment
-
Quiet motor with smooth, gentle rocking
-
Five lullaby/ white noise options
-
Built-in swaddle
Cost, value & peace of mind
There’s no getting around it: the SNOO is a premium-priced product.
At nearly $2,000, many Australian families buy the SNOO second-hand or refurbished, which can affect warranty coverage and ongoing support. App access may also involve additional costs over time.
Meanwhile, the Swan sits in the premium smart bassinet category, with its deliberate simplicity offering a less premium price tag. At $799, it offers automated soothing, a Safer Sleep Tested™️ mattress and a long warranty… without ongoing fees.
So, how do you choose which smart bassinet is right for you?
Choose the Happiest Baby SNOO if you:
-
Want app-driven automation and tracking
-
Like the reassurance of a built-in swaddle system
-
Are comfortable with the higher price point
-
Are flexible with potentially renting over owning
Choose the BabyRest Swan if you:
-
Prioritise mattress safety
-
Want smart soothing without complexity (deliberate simplicity of use)
-
Prefer less tech intervention in the nursery (analogue parenting)
-
Prefer natural movement over fixed positioning
-
Want a premium smart bassinet at a more accessible price point
-
Prefer longer warranty support
-
Want the option of multiple people settling baby without requiring an app (eg more than one parent, grandparents, babysitters, etc)
-
Want your bassinet to meet all current Australian and New Zealand safety standards
The takeaway: There’s no single ‘best’ bassinet - only the one that fits your family, your baby and your lifestyle.
Prefer a more hands-on approach? Not every family wants smart features
Smart features aren’t for everyone.
If you value close bedside access, hands-on settling and a more traditional bassinet experience, the BabyRest Alfie² Bedside Bassinet remains a favourite for many families. It’s designed for parents who don’t mind gently rocking, soothing or resettling baby themselves during the night and also features lockable wheels to keep baby close as you move around the house, as well as an insect net.
Because the Alfie² doesn’t include automated motion or sound technology, it also comes at a more accessible price point, making it a practical choice for families who want simplicity without sacrificing safety or quality.
Think of it this way:
A smart bassinet like the Swan is there when you want an extra helping hand.
A manual bassinet like the Alfie² is there when you’re happy to be that helping hand.
Learn more about the Alfie² Bedside Bassinet →
Learn more about the Swan Smart Bassinet →
Designed by parents, for parents
At BabyRest, we design every piece with purpose. For 50 years, our family-owned Australian brand has created safe, beautiful and long-lasting nursery products to support your family’s journey.
For generations, our family business has been dedicated to developing products that enhance better sleep and peace of mind. From our premium, award-winning mattresses, to our thoughtfully designed nursery furniture and bassinets, we create pieces built to last, tested over and above industry standards, and designed with both beauty and function in mind.
BabyRest has a team of passionate expert representatives. Get in touch with us today with any questions about nursery sleep essentials - and even product maintenance advice. We’re here to help you create the ultimate space for your little one.
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