You should stop using a carrycot on your pram when your baby reaches approximately 9 kg in weight or around five to six months of age, whichever comes first. At this stage, it's generally recommended to transition to the pushchair's stroller seat unit.
Key Indicators It's Time to Transition
Knowing when to move your baby from a carrycot to a stroller seat is crucial for their safety, comfort, and developmental needs. While the 9 kg weight limit is a primary safety guideline, there are other important factors to consider.
1. Weight Limit: The Primary Safety Factor
Most carrycots are specifically designed to safely accommodate babies up to 9 kilograms. Exceeding this weight limit can compromise the carrycot's structural integrity and your baby's safety. Always check the specific weight recommendations in your pram's user manual, as there can be slight variations between models.
2. Age Guideline: Developmental Milestones
While weight is paramount, age is a good general indicator. Typically, babies reach the 9 kg mark around five to six months old. This age also coincides with significant developmental milestones that make the carrycot less suitable.
3. Developmental Readiness
Observe your baby for these key developmental signs:
- Sitting Up Independently: If your baby can sit up unaided or is actively trying to pull themselves up to a sitting position, they need more support and freedom of movement than a carrycot provides. Continuing to use a carrycot when they can sit up poses a risk of them tipping over or attempting to climb out.
- Pushing Up on Hands and Knees: Babies who are strong enough to push themselves up are likely ready for a more interactive seating position where they can observe their surroundings better.
- Lack of Space: As babies grow, they may simply outgrow the carrycot in length, becoming uncomfortable or cramped.
Why Transition from a Carrycot?
Carrycots are ideal for newborns because they provide a completely flat, safe sleeping surface that supports healthy spinal development and allows for unobstructed breathing. However, once a baby reaches the aforementioned milestones, their needs change.
- Safety: A baby who can sit or push up could potentially fall or climb out of a carrycot, even when strapped in. A stroller seat, with its harnesses and adjustable recline, offers better containment.
- Comfort and Engagement: Older babies often prefer to sit up and interact with their environment. A stroller seat allows them to explore the world around them, whether it's parent-facing for interaction or world-facing for curiosity.
- Ergonomics: Stroller seats are designed to support a baby's spine as they develop the strength to sit upright, providing appropriate cushioning and recline options.
How to Make the Transition
The transition is usually straightforward if your pram is a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 travel system.
- Remove the Carrycot: Detach the carrycot unit from the pram chassis.
- Attach the Stroller Seat: Click the dedicated stroller seat unit onto the chassis.
- Adjust the Recline: For babies new to the stroller seat, start with a semi-reclined position to ease them in, gradually moving to a more upright position as they get stronger and more accustomed.
- Use Harnesses: Always ensure your baby is securely fastened with the five-point harness, even for short trips.
Carrycot vs. Stroller Seat: A Quick Comparison
Understanding the fundamental differences can help parents make informed decisions about when to switch.
| Feature | Carrycot (for newborns) | Stroller/Pushchair Seat (next stage) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Lie-flat sleeping, safe travel | Sitting, exploring, active travel |
| Position | Fully lie-flat (0-180 degrees) | Adjustable recline (upright to lie-flat) |
| Support | Firm, full-body base for flat sleep | Ergonomic, adjustable support for sitting |
| Weight Limit | Typically up to 9 kg | Often up to 15 kg or 22 kg |
| Typical Age | Birth to approx. 5-6 months | Approx. 5-6 months onwards |
| Interaction | Less visual engagement | Enhanced visual engagement with surroundings |
Always refer to your specific pram's user manual for the most accurate and safe guidelines regarding weight limits and age recommendations.
