How Heather Overby Is Giving Foster Babies a Safe Start With SNOO

Heather Overby has always had a heart for foster care—it just took a little time for this dream to come to fruition.

Thirteen years ago, she and her husband Scott packed up their life in Oregon and moved to East Germany, where they grew their family from two children to four. Then, in 2018, Heather embarked on the lengthy application process. That meant navigating what she calls “pretty much an entire book of German paperwork,” all while still learning the language—a months-long process that was followed by months of interviews with the youth welfare office.

But finally, in 2019, the Overbys received their first call.

Their first foster baby was born prematurely via caesarean section after his mother fell into a coma from a drug overdose.

"He screamed for four months straight. It was one of the hardest seasons of our lives," Heather recalls. "But I thought, 'I can do this.'"

And she did! Specialising in emergency placements, Heather and her family have now welcomed 10 foster babies into their home over the years (plus some toddlers!)—each one with a story, each one deeply loved.

“With each new arrival, I want to give them the very best start I can, even if our time together is brief. One of the tools that has made an incredible difference for us is the SNOO,” she says.

Heather first learned about SNOO through social media, but had been familiar with Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S's for soothing babies. “I was eager to try SNOO—and I quickly saw what a difference it made,” she says.

After fostering a particularly fragile infant in 2020 who had spent six weeks in a psychiatric unit with his mother, Heather used SNOO for the first time.

"He was our fourth baby and our first baby to use SNOO," she says. "He came to us at 6 weeks old, and he thrived in SNOO. It made a huge difference."

For Heather, who often fosters babies born into incredibly challenging situations, the benefits of SNOO have been profound.

“SNOO mimics what happens in the womb—the swaddle, the rhythmic motion, the shushing. It helps them regulate. I've seen it with my babies," she says.

Now Heather is seeing the results with her 10th baby.

“He came to us when he was just two days old—so tiny, so new to the world. From his very first night here, the SNOO has gently rocked and soothed him into restful, safe sleep,” she says. “It gives him the consistent rhythm and snug swaddle that newborns crave. And it gives me peace of mind, knowing he’s sleeping safely and soundly.”

As a foster carer, Heather especially appreciates how SNOO adds a sense of routine and calm during a time of so much transition.

“These little ones come from difficult situations, and having a space that is secure, quiet, and comforting can make all the difference. The SNOO doesn’t just help babies sleep—it supports their sense of safety and belonging,” Heather says.

It helps her as a carer, as well.

“Caring for newborns around the clock is both beautiful and exhausting. The SNOO has helped me get better rest, which in turn helps me be more present, patient, and nurturing. It's been a real gift not only for the babies, but for me and my family, too.”

That’s key because fostering has become a family affair for the Overbys. “I feel strongly that fostering needs to be a team thing. I could not do this without my husband and my kids. I will not take a baby when my kids aren't on board,” she says.

Heather highly recommends SNOO to anyone caring for a newborn—and especially foster carers.

“It’s truly been a lifesaver in our home—bringing comfort to the babies and sanity to the grown-ups! You’re doing sacred, important work, and tools like this can help make it a little more manageable.”

As she looks ahead, Heather is planning to continue fostering little ones as long as she can. And thanks to SNOO, Heather has a gentle, supportive tool to help care for them—one that honours that sacred work of loving each child.

“I’m deeply grateful to Happiest Baby for supporting foster families like mine. The SNOO is more than just a smart bassinet—it’s a quiet partner in our home, helping tiny hearts settle and grow in love.”

Photos courtesy of Heather Overby

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