Product test
A flawed analysis: Withings Sleep Analyzer put to the test
by Martin Jungfer
Sleep at the touch of a button? The «Snoozy» claims to make it child’s play
21/4/2023
Translation: Megan Cornish
Any inventor of a sleeping aid for babies will attract interest from chronically overtired parents. Me included. I tested a Swiss startup’s Snoozy device and quickly fell in love with it.
Most parents sit up and take notice when they hear the words «sleep aid». If not, good for you – you can click right on past to the next article. Maybe you’re like me, though, and sleep has become a luxury.
A new device called the «Snoozy» is supposed to help us overtired parents. Or, as the Swiss startup claims on its own website: «Liini makes parents’ life easier». A bold promise, I reckon. And a good reason to put the product to the test.
Of course, the device is primarily intended for babies. Despite my two daughters being older (four and seven), I consider myself to be a legitimate tester. Because – to this day, unfortunately – one of them struggles to fall asleep and the other doesn’t sleep through the night. So, when it comes to sleep deprivation, I’m an expert.
I’ve also tried out a number of (settling to) sleep aids in recent years, from night lights in all imaginable colours, noise apps and sleep music compilations to children’s meditation audio tracks. Now I’ve got the Snoozy to hang up too.
Overpowering hair dryer noise and soothing rain
If your child prefers a combination of sounds, you can choose between five lullabies. To go to the next song or sound, simply press the corresponding music note button again.
If you want to limit the duration of the sound, you have two timer options: 60 or 120 minutes. Too bad there’s no shorter option. Especially because, according to the manufacturer, your child will fall asleep in a flash thanks to their device – allegedly, 80 per cent do within five minutes. You can also use another button to switch on an ambient light around two centimetres wide. Unfortunately, you can’t dim it.
Like magic for the one who doesn’t fall asleep
Of course, that doesn’t have to mean anything. Children are so different. What works for one doesn’t necessarily apply to another. But, personally, I’d have loved the Snoozy when my girls were younger.
They’re expanding their range with the Snoozy, which has been on the market for a few weeks. It was also born out of their own need. «We played playlists with hair dryer noises for hours to calm our daughter,» says Mike Roth. Conversations with other parents revealed that rain and womb sounds were also popular.
That sounds familiar. A few years ago, I actually downloaded an app on my smartphone with these exact sounds.
Conclusion: sleep is expensive, but precious
However, the Snoozy also has its price: 63 francs (as of 21 April 2023). Would I still buy it? Absolutely. If the background noise actually helps your child fall asleep, the investment is worth it. After years of chronic fatigue, I know that a decent night’s sleep is more valuable than a pile of money.
Header image: Katja Fischer
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.
