Carrycots – Essential or Nice to Have?
How a Carrycot can make a new parent’s life easier
When preparing for your baby’s arrival, the list of must-have essentials can seem endless—carrycots, capsules, bassinets, and buggies, all competing for your attention. Among these, carrycots often sit in a grey area, leaving parents wondering if they’re truly necessary. However, there are several reasons why carrycots are one of Dimples’ best-sellers, and we’re here to explain why they could make your life a whole lot easier.
What is a Carrycot?
A carrycot is a lightweight, portable bed designed for babies up to around three to six months old (or about 10kg). Unlike a traditional bassinet or Moses basket, a carrycot attaches to your stroller, making it perfect for sleeping while you’re out and about. Its flat, firm mattress ensures your little one can lie down comfortably, and the design keeps them safe, supported, and relaxed while they nap. As your baby grows, they’ll eventually outgrow the carrycot, but for the first few months, it provides a cosy, familiar space that’s easy to move with you.
Why Do You Need One?
You’ve likely already invested in a capsule for car trips and a bassinet for naps at home, so you might be wondering where a carrycot fits into the mix. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits it offers:
Carrycots vs. Capsules for Sleeping
Capsules are often designed to easily attach to your stroller for convenience, allowing you to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up. However, experts caution against leaving your baby in a capsule for extended periods. Babies need to lie flat to keep their airways open, and when they're in a capsule, their heads can flop forward, which could compromise their breathing.
A carrycot, however, provides a flat surface for your baby, ensuring proper alignment and safe sleep. While it can be tempting to leave your baby in the capsule for longer outings, a carrycot offers a far safer sleep solution for extended naps or trips to the park. Moving them from capsule to carrycot after a quick car trip helps keep their sleep environment safe and comfortable.
Take a Walk While They Snooze
One of the perks of a carrycot is the ability to get outside and enjoy some fresh air while your baby naps peacefully. After feeding or playtime, simply attach the carrycot to your stroller, and off you go! The gentle movement of the stroller, combined with the outdoor sounds, is often just the right combination to lull your little one into a restful sleep.
Carrycots are designed to be outdoors-friendly, with weatherproof fabrics, adjustable canopies, and compatible rain and sun covers, so your baby stays protected no matter the weather. Even better, when your baby is deep in sleep, you can easily unclip the carrycot from the stroller and bring them inside to continue their nap. That means you get to enjoy a quiet moment to yourself while your baby stays snug and safe.
Carrycots vs. Portacots for Overnight Stays
When it comes to overnight visits—whether to Grandma’s house or a weekend getaway—a full-sized portacot can be a hassle to pack and set up. A carrycot, on the other hand, is compact and easy to transport, making it the ideal sleep solution for short stays. With a firm mattress and familiar surroundings, your baby is more likely to settle quickly in a carrycot, even in a new environment.
Carrying a bulky portacot for a quick trip or family visit can feel like overpacking, especially when you have a simple, lightweight carrycot that does the job just as well. The convenience of clipping it onto your stroller for a walk, and then using it as a portable bed for overnight stays, gives you the best of both worlds.
Say Goodbye to the Bassinet
A bassinet or Moses basket can take up a fair amount of space in your home, and while they're lovely for the first few months, they’re not always necessary if you have a carrycot. Many parents find that a carrycot serves as both a primary sleep spot at home and a portable solution for outings. Since a carrycot is designed for safe sleep, you can use it as your baby’s designated napping spot—whether at home, in the park, or at a friend’s house. Plus, since it’s only useful for a limited time, you get the most out of it by making it your go-to sleeping solution in those early months.
Carrycots vs. Lie-Flat Strollers
Many strollers are suitable for newborns, but most require the baby to be strapped in. If your baby is swaddled or sleeping peacefully, it can be a hassle to unstrap them and disrupt their comfort. With a carrycot, you can avoid all those buckles and straps. Simply place your baby in the carrycot, and you’re good to go—no need to worry about disturbing them or removing their swaddle. This makes the carrycot a much easier and more comfortable option for those first few months.
What to Look for in a Carrycot
Choosing the right carrycot is about more than just size—it’s about convenience, comfort, and safety. Here are some key features to look for:
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Certified for overnight sleep: If you plan to use the carrycot for naps and nighttime sleep, ensure it’s certified for overnight use.
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Weatherproof accessories: Look for a carrycot with a generous canopy, plus optional rain and sun covers, especially if you’ll be using it outdoors.
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Easy to carry: While the carrycot will often be attached to your stroller, you’ll also need to carry it at times. Make sure it has sturdy, comfortable handles that make it easy to transport.
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Easy care: Babies can be messy, so choose a carrycot with machine-washable components like the mattress cover or liner.
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Easy to connect: You don’t want to struggle with complicated clips when your baby is having a fussy moment. A carrycot that’s easy to attach and detach from the stroller will save you time and frustration.
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Compatibility: Ensure the carrycot fits securely on your stroller. The combination of a carrycot and stroller is crucial, as you’ll use it for many months to come.
Final Thoughts
While not essential for everyone, many parents find it a really useful addition in those early months – giving their baby a safe, flat sleeping space that’s easy to move from stroller to indoors without disturbing precious naps. Whether you’re out for a walk, visiting family, or just needing somewhere for baby to rest during the day, a carrycot can help simplify life a little.
If you’re unsure whether a carrycot is the right fit for your family, feel free to get in touch or pop into store – we’re always happy to help you figure out what’s best for you and your baby. We have some amazing bundles to choose from, as well as a range of choices to suit you.
Check out Dimples’ range of carrycots here.
