Understanding the move from carrycot to pushchair
In the early months, your little one will spend most of their time lying flat in a carrycot. This is the safest and most supportive position for a growing baby. But as they develop, many parents begin to wonder: when do you move a baby from a carrycot to a pushchair seat? The answer isn’t the same for everyone, as it depends on your baby’s development as well as their age.
In this article, we’ll share guidance on safe sleep and seating, and highlight the signs that show your baby is ready to make the switch. We’ll also explore how Silver Cross travel systems can support you and your family every step of the way.
What age can a baby go in a pushchair?
Most babies are ready to move from a carrycot to a pushchair seat at around 6 months old. By this stage, many infants can sit upright with some support and will be more interested in the world around them.
However, every baby is different. Some may be ready slightly earlier, while others might need longer in the carrycot.
Are there NHS guidelines for when to move your baby from a carrycot to a pushchair?
The NHS recommends babies sleep on their back on a firm, flat surface for the first 6 months. This supports guidance around using a carrycot or fully reclining pushchair, and avoiding letting babies sleep in semi-upright positions (for example, babies should not stay in car seats for more than two hours) as their head can tip forward and affect breathing.
The Lullaby Trust also notes that a baby’s airway is very delicate and there’s a risk of their windpipe becoming folded while sleeping in an inclined product. It’s always best to move them to a firm, flat, sleep space until they’re older and showing signs they’re ready to sit up.
When to switch from a carrycot to a pushchair
Look out for the following signs to help you decide if it’s time to change your carrycot pram to a pushchair:
- Physical development: If your baby has steady head control and can sit with minimal support, they’re likely ready.
- Space: If they look cramped or can roll and shuffle inside the carrycot, it’s a key sign that they’ve outgrown their cot.
- Curiosity: Babies who are eager to look out and interact with their surroundings will enjoy the transition to a stroller seat.
Remember: Don’t worry if your baby isn’t showing all these signs at 6 months. It’s perfectly fine to keep them in a lie-flat carrycot until they’re ready.
Silver Cross products for every stage
At Silver Cross, our products are thoughtfully designed to adapt as your baby gets older: from those first days in a carrycot through to their toddler years in a pushchair or stroller.
Prams & Travel Systems: Our prams, like the iconic Silver Cross Cove, Reef or Dune, include a newborn carrycot for lie-flat safety, before converting into a pushchair seat as your baby grows. The seat units can also recline fully flat, making them newborn-compatible and offering even more flexibility. They’re perfect for parents seeking an adaptable birth-to-toddler solution that goes the extra mile.
Browse the full collection of Silver Cross pushchairs and travel systems or read our guide to finding the best pram for you for an extra helping hand.
Strollers: Lightweight and compact, our strollers are ideal for travel and everyday use. Recently, we launched Nia - the world’s first stroller that’s aircraft cabin-approved in both seat and carrycot mode - ideal for life on the go. Jet 5 is another of our lightweight cabin-approved strollers, with a lie-flat seat, UPF50+ hood and easy fold.
Shop for strollers today or read our guide to finding your perfect stroller for inspiration.
Carrycots: Need to upgrade your existing Silver Cross travel system? Our range of carrycots can either be purchased as single products or can be used if they’re compatible with existing pushchairs. Plus, many of our carrycots are also approved for overnight sleeping, including Cove, Reef 2, Wave and Tide.
Explore our range of cosy carrycots for ultimate comfort.
Whatever you’re looking for, Silver Cross has solutions that grow with your baby and fits your lifestyle.
Final thoughts
Knowing when to move your baby from a carrycot to pushchair is all about finding the right balance of safety, comfort and your baby’s development. For most, the move happens around 6 months, but it’s important to follow your child’s individual needs.
With a birth-to-toddler travel system, you’ll have peace of mind that your little one is supported at every stage: from their first lie-flat naps in a carrycot to their very first adventures in a pushchair
