Carrycots are comfortable, cocoon-like cots that attach to the chassis of your pram and have a convenient carry handle on them for easy lifting. At Kiddies Kingdom, we stock a wide range of gorgeous carrycots that are compatible with our pushchairs to allow your little baby to sleep and be comfortable whilst you’re out and about.
We know how hard it is to choose the right products for your precious newborn, so we’re here to help. In this post, we tell you everything you need to know about carrycots, including carrycot safety and how to choose the right one for your baby.
Frequently asked questions about carrycots
To begin, we have the answers to your carrycot-related questions. Many new parents wonder what a carrycot is, if they need one and how to use it safely.
What is a carrycot?
A carrycot is a bassinet that attaches to your stroller so your little baby can lie flat. Until your baby can sit up by themselves, it’s unsafe for them to use a seat unit without a lie-flat recline option. Some carry cots allow you to tilt it so your baby can be a little upright, which can help with reflux, but most only have a lie-flat function as this is the safest position for a baby, especially when sleeping.
Some carry cots are available to purchase separately and you might need to do this if you’re using a double or twin pushchair. Most carrycots come with your pushchair, like this Venicci 2 in 1 pram, or they can be purchased as part of a complete travel system, like this Ickle Bubba bundle.
Is a carrycot essential?
In some cases, a carrycot isn’t essential if the pushchair you choose has a lie-flat option. The Silver Cross Dune Pushchair is an example of a pushchair that is suitable from birth without the use of a carrycot because it has recline positions, including a lie-flat option for a newborn.
However, some parents prefer to have the carrycot because it creates a cosy, cocoon-like environment for a baby to sleep in and explore the world around them comfortably. So the choice is yours, choose a stroller that is suitable from birth without the carrycot, or choose a pushchair with a carrycot attachment and change it once your little one reaches 6 months old.
Can babies sleep in a carrycot?
Of course! A carrycot is a lovely place for your baby to catch some zzzs. Carrycots, like the Egg carrycot, are designed with your child’s comfort in mind, with a plush mattress and padded liner. Most carrycots have a canopy or domed top to keep your little snoozer covered up and snug when they’re sleeping.
As long as safe sleeping techniques are adhered to when your precious baby is sleeping in their carrycot then it is safe to do so. For example, don’t cover your baby with blankets or have snuggly toys in the pram with them as they are too young to be able to push them away if these items block their airways. Make sure the carrycot is in a flat position and that your baby doesn’t get too hot and never leave them unattended.
Are carry cots suitable for overnight sleeping?
Most carrycots are okay to use for occasional overnight sleeping and some are even ideal for using as their full-time sleeping spot until they move into a bigger cot. You must make sure that the mattress is firm enough for your baby to sleep on, the canopy is down and the carrycot has plenty of ventilation to stop them from overheating.
The Bugaboo Fox 5 carrycot is a spacious, breezy bassinet that comes with an aerated mattress to regulate your baby’s temperature all year round. Bugaboo even has a bassinet stand which is the perfect accessory for your carrycot. Not only does it provide a comfortable place to put your baby’s carrycot, but it also makes it easier for you to access your little one with its raised height.
The Cybex Lux Cot has been approved for overnight sleeping. It has a cosy interior and a soft, foam mattress, offering maximum comfort for your baby. The carrycot simply clicks into the Cybex Balios frame then you’re ready to go with your baby, right from birth until around 6 months old. The carrycot has a UPF50+ XXL sun canopy to keep your baby protected from the sun and wind.
How long should a carrycot be used for?
A carrycot is an ideal place for your baby to ride in their pram from their very first trip out until they are around 6 months old. Once your baby can sit up unaided they can transition from carrycot to seat unit.
Unlike car seats where it is recommended to take your baby out every 2 hours or so, carrycots don’t have the same guidance, particularly since most are suitable for overnight sleeping. You don’t need to worry about your baby staying in the carrycot for a long period of time. However, if your baby is awake and wants a change of environment, they might get irritable and need to be taken out to change positions for a while.
What position should my baby be in when using a carry cot?
To reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) you will need to make sure your baby is in the best position for sleep. Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep without any obstacles in their sleep space. If you want to cover your baby up to keep them warm whilst you’re out, put them in a snowsuit, footmuff or several layers rather than using a blanket that could reach their air spaces.
At night, it’s best to put your baby in a baby sleeping bag or to wrap them up in a muslin wrap as these can be fastened and wrapped around your baby in a safe and secure way that won’t disturb their sleep or put them in danger.
Choosing a carrycot
In this section, we have provided you with some of our favourite carrycots. When choosing a carrycot it’s important to consider its purpose. For example, if you are using a double or a twin pram, it’s likely that you will need to use either a modified version of a carrycot from the brand of pushchair you have or an adapter to attach two units to your chassis.
The Maxi Cosi Oria Carrycot is a great choice as the Maxi Cosi brand has been serving parents and families for many years. The Maxi Cosi carrycot is a large and spacious carrycot that converts your Maxi Cosi pushchair into a pram for newborn babies and allows you to transport your little one in a lie-flat position.
Double pushchairs
If you’re on the lookout for a double pushchair, the Donkey 5 Duo is a popular choice. Convert this pushchair from a single to a double in just three clicks. Keep your little co-pilot’s side by side from birth right to toddlerhood. The reversible seats let siblings face each other, face you or face the world.
This pram is unique in that it is a clever space saver. Rather than having a separate carrycot and seat unit, the structure of the seat can be easily converted between the two, meaning you can simply change the configuration of the seat when your child or children are ready for a seat unit.
We hope you feel more confident about carrycots now so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to use one for your little cherub and how to choose the right one for you. The main thing to remember is the safe sleeping tips in this post, as well as looking out for the standout features of different carrycot ranges.