What to Do When Your SNOO Stops Rocking or Starts Acting Strange

When the Motion You Rely On Suddenly Feels… Off

If you’re a SNOO parent, you know the rocking motion is everything. It’s what soothes your baby back to sleep, stretches naps longer, and gives you those precious extra minutes of rest.

So when your SNOO stops rocking, rocks inconsistently, makes unusual noises, or behaves unpredictably, it can be stressful—especially when sleep is already in short supply.

The good news: most SNOO rocking issues are common and fixable. Here’s what’s likely going on and what you should do next.

Common Signs Your SNOO Has a Rocking Issue

You might be dealing with a mechanical issue if you notice:

• The SNOO powers on but doesn’t rock
• Rocking starts and stops unexpectedly
• Motion feels jerky, uneven, or weaker than usual
• The SNOO struggles to stay in higher motion levels
• Rocking works intermittently, then stops altogether

These symptoms often appear gradually, not all at once.

The Most Common Cause: Worn Internal O-Rings

Inside every SNOO are small internal components that help translate motor movement into smooth, consistent rocking. Over time—especially after multiple babies—these parts wear down.

One of the most common culprits is worn O-rings.

When O-rings degrade, the motor may still run, but the rocking motion becomes inconsistent or ineffective. This is especially common in SNOOs that have been:

• Used for multiple babies
• Purchased second-hand
• Rented long-term
• Stored improperly between uses

The key thing to know: this is usually a straightforward repair.

What You Can (and Shouldn’t) Try at Home

Before assuming the worst, a few basic checks are reasonable:

Worth checking:

• Restarting the app and SNOO
• Ensuring the sleep sack is properly clipped
• Confirming no accessories are interfering with motion
• Trying Manual Mode to test rocking directly

What to avoid:

• Opening the base yourself
• Forcing the motion
• Running the unit while it’s clearly malfunctioning
• Attempting DIY fixes found online

Opening the SNOO incorrectly can cause more damage—and potentially turn a simple repair into a costly one.

When to Get It Professionally Checked

If your SNOO still isn’t rocking properly after basic checks, the next step is a proper inspection.

A professional diagnostic can determine:

• Whether the issue is a simple O-ring replacement
• If cleaning and lubrication will restore motion
• Or if there’s a more serious problem, like motor failure

Importantly, a good repair process should pause before any major work and explain your options clearly—especially if a repair isn’t cost-effective.

Why Repairs Are Often Paired With a Deep Clean

If the SNOO needs to be opened for a rocking repair, it’s the perfect time to do a full deep clean.

Pairing the two makes sense because:

• The unit is already disassembled
• Dust, debris, and buildup can affect performance
• You get a fully refreshed, hygienic SNOO back
• It extends the life of the unit

For families using a pre-loved or multi-baby SNOO, this combination offers both peace of mind and better performance.

When a Repair Might Not Make Sense

In rare cases, the issue may be more serious—such as a failed motor. Motor replacements are expensive and often not worth the cost, especially for older units.

In those situations, a transparent repair service should:

• Stop before proceeding
• Explain what was found
• Help you decide whether to repair, replace, or retire the unit

Honest guidance matters when you’re already juggling enough as a parent.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Most SNOO Rocking Issues Are Fixable

A SNOO that isn’t rocking properly doesn’t automatically mean it’s done for. In many cases, the fix is simple, affordable, and quick—especially when caught early.

If your SNOO is acting strange, the best move is to:

• Stop using it
• Avoid DIY repairs
• Have it properly inspected

Sleep is too important to gamble with guesswork.

If you’re in the Ottawa area and dealing with a SNOO rocking issue, getting it checked by someone who understands these units inside and out can save you time, money, and a lot of lost sleep.

Because when your SNOO works the way it should—everyone sleeps better.