Getting your baby to sleep can be a tricky and sometimes relentless task. Why is it that the moment you stop rocking them or the pram stops moving, your little one's eyes pop open, no matter how tired they are? Every parent has a trusted technique to get their little one off to the land of dreams, whether that be a bum tap, gently rocking them to sleep in the pram or taking them for laps round the block. We could spend hours rocking and cuddling our babies to sleep, but there are some amazing pram rockers out there that will do the job for you. A snoozing baby and a pair of free hands? Sounds like heaven.
There are two leading pram rockers out there, Rockit and Sleepytroll, that will help gently rock your little one to sleep. But what are the differences between them, and which one will suit your family more? Do you need a pram rocker? What travel systems do they fit? We dive into the details below.
Sleepytroll vs Rockit: The Basics
Sleepytroll
The Rockit Rocker is an innovative product that attaches to your pram and uses a gentle rocking motion to safely soothe your baby, even when you stop moving. Scientific tests show the vibration level closely mimics the normal hand rocking of a pushchair, and the soothing movement is gentler than a pushchair moving over paving stones. It is shaped like a rocket (clever, eh) and is rechargeable. You charge it with a USB cable, and you will get up to 60 minutes of charge when used on the lower speed. It has a quiet motor, so you don't need to worry about the noise waking your baby. It has a lower price point than the Sleepytroll.
AmazonThis clever little pram rocker uses a gentle rocking motion to calm your baby when they are in their pram or travel system. You simply attach the supplied bracket to your pram or travel system, press the power button to start an hour of gentle rocking. You can adjust the speed to suit your baby's needs. Parents who have used the Rockit have praised the simplicity of the Rockit, with one review even saying that it had "changed their lives and they couldn't live without it, especially in the early months". Another commented, that is makes "such a great gift for new parents - everyone I have bought one for has sang it's praises!"
There aren't many downsides, but some parents wish that it came with a warning light when the battery was low, as the panic when it stops often means that the baby will wake up or stir. The Rockit is only to be used on prams and strollers, not cribs or car seats.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Simple to use
- USB rechargeable (cable included)
- Fits all makes of strollers and prams
- Safe to use from birth
Cons
- Some reviews wished that there was a low battery warning light
- Only comes with one attachment
| Dimensions: | H16.0 x W8.70 x D9.60cm |
| Care instructions: | Only to be used on prams and strollers. Position out of reach of babies and children. Showerproof. Tested to IPX1 standard. Avoid exposure to heavy or prolonged rain. |
| Suitable from: | Birth |
| Weight: | 0.30kg |
Sleepytroll
The Sleepytroll Gen 2 is a rechargeable baby rocker that gently rocks your baby, whether they are in the pram, the cot or in a bouncer, with the help of an array of adapters. It is activated by sound and movement sensors and can provide up to three hours of gentle and continuous rocking. The device mimics the rocking in the womb, which helps soothe baby. The Sleepytroll Gen 2 has a manual button, or you can control it through the Sleepytroll app on your phone, where you can also customise sleep programmes, receive expert sleep tips and receive notifications. It has a higher price point than the Rockit but has a few more features, including the app and different adaptors.
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The Sleepytroll Baby Rocker Gen 2 is a smart, sensor-controlled device designed to gently rock your baby's pram, cot, or bouncer, helping them sleep longer and more peacefully. Developed by a sleep-deprived Norwegian father, this award-winning gadget offers hands-free soothing for parents who need a break. The newly released Sleepytroll Gen 2 can be used on your pram, cot or bouncer and offers improved battery life, with up to 12 hours in a single charge offers improved battery life with up to 12 hours on a single 2.5-hour charge and is water resistant.
Parent reviewers of the Sleepytroll have said that it "must be the best invention for the little baby and the parents. A real saviour when you have your hands full and the baby needs to sleep." Some users have noted issues with battery life and strap noise, but most find its benefits outweigh these concerns.
Pros
- Comes with USB-C charging cable
- Different adaptors for prams, cots and cribs and bouncers (sold seperately)
- The app can help track sleep
- Long battery life 12 hours use on a single charge
- Five rocking speeds
Cons
- Strap and buckle is a little rattly
- It is bigger than the Rockit
| Dimensions: | 74 x 90 x 167mm |
| Batteries: | Rechargable lithium (Can be brought on airplanes) |
| Weight: | 0.65kg |
| Sensors: | Microphone, movement |
| Suitable from: | Birth |
Sleepytroll vs Rockit: features
Even though the Rockit and Sleepytroll both do the same thing (rock your baby to sleep), the Rockit is much simpler than the Sleepytroll. The Rockit can only be used on prams and travel systems, whereas the Sleepytroll has adaptors for cribs and bouncers. However, the bed adaptor and bouncer adaptors are sold separately. They are both suitable from birth, rechargeable, suitable for outdoor use, and compact and portable, making them ideal travel companions.
However, the Sleepytroll does have a few more features that are reflected in the price, including an app that enables you to customise sleep programmes, receive expert sleep tips and receive notifications. The app also allows you to choose rocking durations, from one hour to up to three hours. The Sleepytroll also has sensors, and it automatically activates a 3-minute rocking cycle when it detects your baby stirring or crying, providing instant comfort.
Sleepytroll vs Rockit: the cost
What does a Rockit cost?
The Rockit Rocker costs £49.95 and comes with a charger cable and one pram adaptor.
What does a Sleepytroll Gen 2 cost?
The Sleepytroll Gen 2 costs £150 and includes a USB-C charging cable, the Sleepytroll app and a user manual. The adaptors for cribs and bouncers are sold separately.
Sleepytroll vs Rockit: battery life and portability
The Rockit's battery life is not as long as the Sleepytroll's, but it still gives you up to 60 minutes of rocking time, which does vary depending on what rocking motion you choose. The Sleepytroll does give you longer battery life, providing you with up to 12 hours on a single 2.5-hour charge. They both have different motors, with the Rockit featuring an ultra-quiet motor whose intensity is adjustable via speed dial. The Sleepytroll motor is brushless with 5 adjustable intensity settings.
Sleepytroll vs Rockit: The final verdict
When it comes to pram rockers, both the Rockit and Sleepytroll provide hands-free rocking for your little one when they are in their pram. However, the Rockit is smaller and simpler to use. If you're after a pram rocker that does what it says on the tin and is budget-friendly, the Rockit is for you. If you're looking for something more than just a pram rocker, the Sleepytroll offers advanced features like sensor-activated rocking, an app that gives you insights into your baby's sleep and compatibility with various baby items (prams, cots and bouncers). Its robust battery life and adjustable intensity settings make it suitable for parents seeking a versatile and tech-savvy solution.
Hannah Mellin is a Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a mama to a nearly two year old little boy and is is navigating her way through first-time parenthood, every developmental leap at a time. She is up for trying anything and everything to make mums feel less anxious and overwhelmed. She is passionate about nature, body positivity and children's mental health.