I’ve just been introduced to a unique product called a Snoedel, pronounced “snoodle”. The name is of Dutch origin meaning “snuggle”, and it is a small fabric doll/blanket that provides aromatherapy for babies. According to it’s purpose, it’s recommended for babies in the NICU because the doll can be infused with the mother’s scent and then left with the baby to comfort him in his mother’s absence. The mother (or father) sleeps with the Snoedel for a couple of nights and her scent is absorbed by the fabrics and then slowly released when placed with the baby. This can improve the baby’s sleep, aid in mother-baby bonding (which we all know is hard to accomplish in the NICU!), and soothe the baby. It’s made of 100% cotton flannel and stuffed with pure clean and carded sheeps wool, and is therefore machine washable!
So, I was generously gifted a sample Snoedel and have been trying it with my one year old. She’s not exactly an infant, and she’s with me every day, so it’s probably not a fair test of the product. However, it has retained my scent and my baby has wanted it in bed with her (along with her blanky) since I gave it to her! I think it’s a brilliant idea and I would have loved to try it with my preemie while she was in the NICU. It would have made me feel better, I believe, to leave her each night with something comforting that smelled like her mommy.
I’ve heard that some NICUs do allow soft objects or dolls to be placed in the incubator with preemie babies, and certainly they can be placed in open cribs, so for those of you with a baby in the NICU or who know someone with a NICU baby, a Snoedel may be a good investment, and certainly worth trying!
Visit www.snoedel.com to read more about Snoedels and order them online.
(I am not being paid to write this review)
About Afton Mower
We used the Snoedel in the NICU and I loved it. It made me feel like I was there with her even when I couldn’t be.
id looove to have one of those. i ordered it online @ snoedel.com unfortunately it always says theres something wrong with my creditcard:(. i dont wanna buy it on other online store coz they said snoedel is the original one & i wanted the original not the copycat:)
My daughter is in NICu and reading thru blogs and online websites they love snoedels.
My daughter was born at 23 weeks gestation on oct 5,2009. She weighed 1lb 5oz and is a true miracle!! She has been transferred from the nicu (we were there for 5 months!) to an inpatient specialized childrens center for PT/OT. I think the snoedel is a great idea since in this new place she is having trouble adjusting to her surroundings and I have a 2 yr old as well so I have to leave her there at night. She should be there for 8 more weeks and then hopefully home with no oxygen or gastric tube support!! We are sooo incredibly fortunate and I appreciate every day.
we used the snoedel in the nicu and i loved it