SnuzPod VS Shnuggle – Which Is Better?

If you’re looking for a bedside crib for your baby, chances are you’ve come across the SnuzPod and the Shnuggle. They are very similar products. However, they have some distinct differences that will suit a different family based on your unique needs. 

For the majority of families, the SnuzPod, with its transportable frame and easily adjustable height, will be the best choice. Shnuggle is a good choice if you won’t move your bedside crib often. Nevertheless, every family has their unique needs that will influence which crib will be the best fit. 

In this article I will take you through almost every aspect of these bedside cribs so you can decide which is the best for your family. 

What Is a SnuzPod?

The SnuzPod 4 (available on Amazon UK) is a bedside crib designed to let you enjoy many of the benefits of cosleeping while mitigating the risks associated with it.

A SnuzPod is a three-sided crib that attaches to the side of your bed, allowing you to have easy access to your baby without actually having them in the same bed as you. 

What Is a Shnuggle?

Just like the SnuzPod, the Shnuggle Air, which can be found on Amazon UK, is a bedside crib that has more recently hit the market. 

It features a solid wooden frame that attaches to the side of your bed, preventing your infant from slipping into the gap in between the bed. It also features the classic Shnuggle Air bedding, which helps to keep your baby cool and comfortable all night long. 

What Age Can a SnuzPod Be Used Until?

SnuzPod should only be used for infants 0-6 months; however, many moms have said that their babies outgrew the SnuzPod even earlier. 

The SnuzPod is technically a low-sided crib, meaning that as soon as your baby can pull themselves up, it’s no longer safe. Babies start pulling themselves up at different ages, so if your baby can pull themselves up at 4 months, you can no longer use the SnuzPod safely. 

What Age Can a Shnuggle Be Used Until?

Similar to the SnuzPod, the Shnuggle is only recommended until your baby is fulfilling one of four qualifications. If they are rolling over, pulling themselves up, weigh 9kg (20lbs.), or reach 6 months of age, they need to be moved to a standalone crib. 

Without a standalone, high-sided crib, your baby runs the risk of sustaining an injury from a fall or if the crib fails under their weight. 

What Is the Difference Between the SnuzPod and the Shnuggle?

At this point, you may be thinking that the SnuzPod and the Shnuggle are virtually identical products. They have the same safety ratings and seem to serve the same function. However, there are a few key differences between these products that can help you decide which one to invest in. 

Height

Both bedside cribs are adjustable so they can fit onto your bed as closely as possible. However, they do have different height ranges. So, depending on how tall your bed is, you may want to go for one as opposed to the other. 

The Shnuggle is able to adjust to fit bed frames that are from 43cm to 64cm (17in to 25in) tall. This makes the Shnuggle a great option if you have a shorter bed because it can go a full 10cm (4in) shorter than the SnuzPod.

The SnuzPod is highly adjustable as well and will be ideal for fitting taller beds. It fits bed frame heights from 53cm to 73cm (21in to 29in). 

Rocking

While many parents look forward to rocking their child to sleep, it can be difficult to transfer that sleeping baby from your rocking arms into an entirely still crib. That is why, for some parents, a rocking crib can be a lifesaver for bedtime. 

Fortunately, for babies that love to be rocked, the SnuzPod has you covered. It features a rounded base that allows the crib to gently rock back and forth, keeping your baby soothed and sleeping. 

The Shnuggle Air does not have this feature. Instead, it has four legs that help keep the crib as stable as possible. So, if you are worried about the crib getting knocked over, or simply do not want a rocking feature, then the Shnuggle Air will be the better option for you and your baby. 

Versatility

Both of these bedside cribs are convertible, which means more for your money, but they are convertible in different ways. Depending on your needs, this may help you to decide which one is for you. 

The SnuzPod is ideal if you want to move your baby’s crib around for their naps during the day. It features a lightweight, lift-off bassinet so you can keep your baby’s naps consistent while having them with you in different rooms if you need to work or do household chores. It also functions well as an infant lounger, letting you have the baby with you, but contained, during the day. 

While the Shnuggle Air does not feature a lift-off bassinet, it comes with some other fantastic options. If you want to use your initial investment for as long as possible, the Shnuggle Air may be perfect for you. 

When you purchase your crib, you have the option of purchasing a toddler cot conversion kit as well. This kit lets you keep using your Shnuggle Air until your child reaches the age of two, at which point you can transition to a sturdier toddler bed. 

One thing to keep in mind with the Shnuggle Air is that the toddler conversion kit is an additional purchase, so it is going to run you some additional money. For some, the extra money is worth not having to buy an additional cot and being able to extend the use of their crib. For others, just buying a standalone toddler cot may be the preferred option. 

What Are the Advantages of the SnuzPod?

One of the biggest advantages of the SnuzPod is its length. It measures in at 1 meter (39 inches) long, longer than most infant bassinets. So, if you feel your baby cannot get over the sides and fall, you may be able to use it for a longer period than other bassinets. 

The second big advantage, which I’ve already mentioned, is that the SnuzPod is rockable. This makes it ideal for babies that have a hard time transitioning from your arms to their crib for sleep. By rocking the crib, you can smooth the transition and help your baby sleep soundly. 

The third and final advantage is that the SnuzPod’s stand is foldable. Sometimes wooden frames can be bulky and difficult to find space for, especially if you have to travel or need to store your crib. The SnuzPod has solved this problem by making its base frame completely foldable. 

What Are the Disadvantages of the SnuzPod?

The main disadvantage of the SnuzPod is that you cannot use it for a significant period of your baby’s life. It does not have the option to transition to a toddler cot, which means you are limited in how long you can use it. 

Once your baby reaches the maximum weight for the SnuzPod, you will have to transition them to another crib or bed and store or sell your SnuzPod. 

What Are the Advantages of the Shnuggle?

While they are similar products, the Shnuggle and the SnuzPod have some distinct advantages and disadvantages. 

An advantage of the Shnuggle is the option to tilt the bassinet. With four adjustable legs, you can choose to leave two lower to create a slight incline to elevate your sleeping baby’s head. This can be especially helpful for babies who suffer from reflux and colic. 

As the name suggests, the Shnuggle Air emphasizes proper airflow that will keep your infant comfortable. 

A big part of this is the bedding that comes with the product. The mattress tis hypoallergenic and up to 50% more breathable than a standard infant mattress. If you have a baby with sensitive skin, or you’re just concerned about what products you’re exposing your infant to, the Shnuggle Air has you covered. 

What Are the Disadvantages of the Shnuggle?

The most significant disadvantage of Shnuggle Air is that it is not easy to transport. It is made of sturdy wood, so it is not intended to be taken down and moved around all the time. If you want to move your baby’s crib to different parts of the house or travel and bring your crib with you, this can be an issue. 

SnuzPod VS Shnuggle – Which Is Better?

While they both have their advantages, and each can suit a different family’s needs perfectly, based on all the features, the SnuzPod is the better choice for most families. 

Despite being made of high quality, sturdy materials, the SnuzPod is still highly transportable with a removable bassinet and foldable base, making it ideal for the traveling family. It is also rockable, a desirable feature for many families who want to make the transition to nap or bedtime just a little bit smoother.