Sleep Solutions By Christine | Washington DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia | Fort Lauderdale
  • Services
    • Strategy Calls
    • Newborns (0-11 weeks)
    • Infants (3-18 months)
    • Toddlers (19 months - 11 years)
    • Adult Sleep Consulting | Sleep Solutions
  • About
  • Sleep Resources
  • Contact
  • Services
    • Strategy Calls
    • Newborns (0-11 weeks)
    • Infants (3-18 months)
    • Toddlers (19 months - 11 years)
    • Adult Sleep Consulting | Sleep Solutions
  • About
  • Sleep Resources
  • Contact

The Ikea Crib and the Airport Bassinet: A Global Tour of Baby Sleep Solutions

4/28/2025

 
Explore baby sleep solutions with the Ikea crib and the airport bassinet. Learn when, where, and how to use each one!
a baby sleeping with a teddy bear on a white blanket
Parents worldwide face a common challenge—finding safe, reliable baby sleep solutions. Whether you’re settling in at home or flying across continents, your baby’s rest matters. Two popular tools help meet this need: the Ikea crib and the airport bassinet. Each serves a unique purpose, tailored for either home use or travel. Here, we’ll explore both options in detail, offering step-by-step guides, practical tips, and key safety insights.

What Are Baby Sleep Solutions and Why Do They Matter

Babies need consistent, safe sleep to grow well, and parents need reliable tools to support that. Baby sleep solutions are setups and methods that help babies sleep better, whether at home or during travel. These include items like cribs, bassinets, travel beds, and sleep aids. Sleep environments play a big role in a baby’s rest, and poor setups can cause discomfort or even safety issues.
​
As parents begin sleep training, having the right equipment makes the process smoother and less stressful. Of course, choosing the right sleep option depends on your lifestyle, travel habits, and home space.
a baby sleeping and yawning
Explore different baby sleep solutions to find the right fit for your baby
Traveling with a Baby: What to Pack for Sleep

​Sleep doesn't stop just because you're on the move. However, babies need familiar cues and cozy setups to rest well, even away from home. When traveling with kids, pack sleep essentials to keep routines steady and stress levels low. Bring a lightweight sleep sack, a soft blanket, and a portable white noise machine to mimic home sounds.
​
If your baby uses a pacifier or comfort toy, pack spares. A foldable travel crib or compact bassinet can be a lifesaver in hotels or relatives’ homes. Stick to familiar bedtime rituals whenever possible. A calm, prepared approach helps your baby sleep—and lets you rest a little easier, too.

Moving Abroad with a Baby? Here’s What Sleep Setups You’ll Need

Moving to a new country with a baby brings many questions, and sleep should be high on the list. Babies thrive on routine, so having a familiar sleep setup helps ease the transition. While packing up your child’s room for an international move, the first thing to decide is whether to ship your crib or buy a new one abroad.

The Ikea crib is a smart choice for long-term stays—affordable, easy to assemble, and available in many countries. During the journey, the airport bassinet offers a safe sleep space on long flights. With the right sleep tools, your baby can rest well, no matter what time zone you’re calling home.
a cozy crib with pillows and blankets – one of the baby sleep solutions
Ikea cribs come in different models and can be purchased anywhere in the world for a reasonable price
The Ikea Crib: Home Comfort, Swedish Simplicity

​The Ikea crib is a popular choice for parents who want a simple, safe, and affordable sleep space at home. Known for its clean design and compact size, it fits well in small rooms and grows with your baby. Many models are convertible, turning into toddler beds later on. Ikea cribs also meet strict safety standards, giving parents peace of mind. Lightweight and easy to assemble, they’re perfect for new families setting up a nursery.
Here’s what makes the Ikea crib stand out:
  • Compact and ideal for apartments or shared rooms
  • Budget-friendly without compromising on safety
  • Converts to toddler beds (on some models)
  • Easy to transport or reassemble after moving
  • Available in stores worldwide and online.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up the Ikea Crib Safely

Setting up the Ikea crib safely is simple if you follow the correct steps. Always read the manual first and keep small parts away from children. The process doesn’t take long, but careful setup ensures your baby sleeps securely.

Here’s how to do it:
  1. Unbox all parts and check that nothing is missing or damaged.
  2. Lay out tools—you’ll usually need a screwdriver or the tool Ikea provides.
  3. Assemble the frame by following the instructions step-by-step.
  4. Secure all screws tightly to prevent wobbling or gaps.
  5. Place the mattress snugly inside—there should be no gaps on the sides.
  6. Add fitted sheets only—avoid pillows or loose bedding.
  7. Position the crib away from windows, cords, or heaters.

The Airport Bassinet: Sleep at 30,000 Feet

The airport bassinet is a helpful sleep solution for long-haul flights with infants. It attaches to the wall in front of bulkhead seats and provides a small, secure space for babies to rest during the flight. Most airlines offer it for infants under 6 to 8 months or below a certain weight limit. It must be requested in advance, as availability is limited. When used correctly, it can make flying much easier for both babies and parents. Key things to know about airport bassinets:
  • Only available on certain long-distance flights by some airlines
  • Must be reserved early, often by calling the airline
  • Fits babies up to a set weight or age
  • Allows hands-free rest for parents during flight
  • Always follow airline safety guidelines when in use.
a baby with lots of toys
Bringing comfort objects can help your baby sleep better during the flight, but also after the move
Step-by-Step: Using the Airport Bassinet Effectively

Using the airport bassinet correctly can make long flights more comfortable for your baby and less tiring for you. It’s important to plan ahead and know what to expect.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get the most out of it:
  1. Book early and request a bassinet directly with the airline.
  2. Confirm weight and age limits—these vary between airlines.
  3. Arrive early at the airport to secure the assigned bassinet seat.
  4. Ask the crew when and how to install it after takeoff.
  5. Place your baby inside once the cruising altitude is reached.
  6. Bring a comfort object—a small blanket or soft toy helps your baby sleep better.
  7. Follow safety rules—never leave your baby unattended.

What Parents Must Know Before Using Either Option

Before using the Ikea crib or airport bassinet, parents should understand the details of key safety and usage. Always check for recalls or updates on crib models to ensure they meet current standards. With the airport bassinet, review airline policies ahead of time—requirements can vary widely.

Also, be aware of regional sleep safety guidelines, especially when traveling internationally. Understanding how each product works and what’s allowed helps avoid last-minute surprises. Baby sleep solutions only work well when used correctly, so preparation and research are essential for safe, restful sleep.

Rest Easy: The Right Sleep Setup Makes All the Difference

Choosing between the Ikea crib and the airport bassinet depends on where and how your baby sleeps. With the right baby sleep solutions, parents can handle both daily routines and travel with confidence. Simple tools used the right way create safer, calmer sleep, at home or thousands of miles away.

Photos via:
​Pexels
Pexels
Pexels
Pexels​

Is the Snoo worth it?

5/10/2023

Comments

 
Picture
As technology continues to progress, there is always some kind of new flashy new baby gear that claims to make your baby sleep. Registries grow and become more complicated. The choices are never ending! New parents find themselves torn over which items to buy that will give them the *most* success to get their  newborn sleep. With all of the new, advanced sleep options for baby, it’s important to consider long and short-term goals before rushing to purchase the newest baby gear. 

Every newborn should have a bassinet, crib, portable crib, or baby box as their own sleep space. Following Safe Sleep guidelines reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

But have you heard of the Snoo bassinet? The Snoo is a bassinet made by the company Happiest Baby that comes equipped with sound sensors, wifi, white noise speakers and a robotic motor that rocks your baby to sleep if your baby makes noise. Sounds incredibly fancy, right? All of that sleepy time magic comes with the price tag of $1,600. You also have the option now to rent a snoo near you at a cost of $500 per month! That's on top of all the extra baby gear you have to buy, including a car seat, stroller and most importantly...lots of diapers!


Parents frequently ask me my opinion of the Snoo and overall, it's a great tool...until baby grows out of it.  I have worked with many clients that started out working with me when their baby was in the Snoo and we successfully transitioned to a crib. All the babies are sleeping well…now. Here are a few things you should consider before jumping in to buy or rent a Snoo. 

How does the Snoo work?

The Snoo is an all-in-one bassinet and baby soother. It gives you the smaller space required to have your newborn sleep in your room without taking up much space, has white noise and rocks your baby to sleep. So, does it work…in short…yes! But only for a limited amount of time. Online reviews rave about how well the it rocks your baby back to sleep. Having the bassinet do all the work for you sounds amazing! The added sound machine and the included swaddle are both accessories of the Snoo, eliminating the need to get these separately. The biggest downside to the Snoo or any motion bassinet is the creation of a dependency on motion to get your child to sleep. When baby outgrows it around 4-6 months of age or simply is too big for it, you’ll need to transition to a full sized crib, mini-crib or portable crib AND you’ll need to work on getting baby to sleep without motion or rocking.

What’s the cost of getting a newborn to sleep? 

This first thing that jumps out at me when considering the Snoo is the price tag. $1,600 for a bassinet?! However, as a sleep consultant, I truly believe that good sleep is priceless!  Consider this; a bassinet is not forever, it’s a good tool to use for a few months of life. 

While a crib can be used for several years, a bassinet is typically used for about 4-6 months (and that’s if baby doesn’t outgrow it sooner!). All things considered, your baby will be using this bassinet for roughly 180 days. And once baby outgrows the Snoo, you’ll still need a full sized crib! For some, it’s a great tool, for others they might want to get more bang for their buck. 

Will I still have to sleep train if I use the Snoo?

If you think of falling asleep like a skill that we have to learn, then yes, you will have to eventually teach baby to fall asleep without the motion of the Snoo. For instance, if a baby is constantly being rocked to sleep by a bassinet, they form a sleep habit. Once it comes time to transition from the Snoo to the crib, then this habit will need to be changed in order to teach baby how to fall asleep without the motion. The transition may prove to be harder than it would be with a standard bassinet or portable crib and parents should consider if this challenge is worth it. 

For some babies, the change from the Snoo to a crib can be hard and will require some prior planning to manage the transition. Weaning and transitioning from the Snoo can be done cold turkey but parents should consider gentler methods to do it as well.  

So what should you do? 

Consider cost, length of use and your desire to avoid sleeping training later before purchasing or renting one.  If the cost isn't worth it or you don't see long term benefits of using it, consider introducing healthy sleep habits early on. No matter what bassinet you use, you and your baby CAN achieve good sleep. By doing a bit of research and weighing out the options, you and your partner can make the right decision for your family. 

What about you? Have you ever used a Snoo? What are your honest reviews? I would love to hear your thoughts! 

And if you’re not sure how to transition out of the Snoo, please reach out. 

Happy sleeping! 

Comments

    Categories

    All
    About
    Adjusting Routine
    Adult Sleep
    Adult Sleep Consultant
    Alyssa
    Annapolis
    Appearances
    Autism
    Baby
    Baby Sleep
    Baby Sleep Help
    Baby Tips
    Baby Transition
    Baltimore
    Bassinet
    Bedroom
    Bedtime Routine
    Binky
    Breastfeeding
    Case Studies
    Child
    Children
    Children's Snoring
    Child Routine
    Child Sleep
    Child Sleep Issues
    Christine Stevens
    Clock
    Comfort Objects
    Comfort Objects Can Help Children Sleep Better After A Move
    Coparenting
    Co Sleeping
    Co-sleeping
    Crib
    Crib To Bed
    Daycare Naps
    DC
    Design A Sleep Friendly Bedroom
    Design A Sleep-friendly Bedroom
    Divorce
    Dream Journals
    Dreams
    Enough
    Environment
    Extinction Bursts
    Fairfax
    Family Outings
    Feeding
    Fireworks
    Florida
    Fort Lauderdale
    Help
    Holiday Routines
    Ill
    Infant Sleep
    ​kids And Snoring
    Kids’ Old Sleep Habits
    Kids’ Old Sleep Habits
    Kids' Sleep Health
    Late Nights
    Light Sensitivity
    Los Angeles
    Loud Noises
    Making Bedtime Fun In A New Home
    Maryland
    Mom Questions
    Mom Things
    Moving
    Moving Toddlers Out Of Cribs
    Moving Your Child To Their Own Room
    Myth
    Nap
    New Sleep Environment
    New Sleep Schedules After Moving Abroad
    Nightmare
    Nightmares
    Night Nurse
    Night Terror
    Night Terrors
    Nighttime Fears
    Noise Protection
    Nursery
    Nursing
    Outdoor Naps
    Overcoming Jet Lag After A Move
    Pacifier
    Parenting
    Pediatrician Consultation
    Pediatric Snoring
    Regression
    Routine
    Safe
    Sarah
    Self-soothing
    Sensory Issues
    Separation Anxiety
    Sick
    Single Parents
    Sleep
    Sleep Aids
    Sleep Consultant
    Sleep Expert
    Sleep Habits
    Sleep Help
    Sleep Hygiene
    Sleeping
    Sleep Patterns
    Sleep Schedules
    Sleep Solutions
    Sleep Success
    Sleep Things
    Sleep Tips
    Sleep Training
    Snoring In Kids
    Teething
    Temporary Accommodations During A Move
    Time
    Tips
    Toddler
    Toddler FOMO
    Toddler Sleep
    Transition
    Travel
    Twins
    Vacation
    Virginia
    Wahington DC
    Washington
    Washington DC
    White Noise

    RSS Feed

    sleep guide for parents to get kids to sleep
Picture

Interested in learning more about me or how I can help your child sleep all night?  ​

Sleep coaching and consulting for clients world-wide, and near you in Annapolis, Fairfax, Arlington, Baltimore,
​Washington DC, Maryland, Delaware, the Eastern Shore and Northern Virginia. 
Infant Mental Health Training
Professional Sleep Consultants
Home    Services    About    Sleep Resources   Contact
443-343-2832
© 2017-2025 Sleep Solutions by Christine
​​ADA Compliance | Waking Girl Web Design ​