Carrycot vs pram: which is better?
Short answer: They do different jobs. A carrycot is a lie-flat bassinet that clips onto a pushchair chassis. A pram is a pushchair with a lie-flat carrycot or bassinet for newborns, so your baby can lie flat. Choose by your baby's stage, your space and how long you want to use it.
Carrycot
Used from birth until your baby reaches the maker's limit.
- Check it fits your chassis.
- Check whether it is approved for overnight sleep. Only some are.
- Use the mattress supplied, with nothing added.
Pram
Used from birth, with the lie-flat part used until your baby is ready to sit up in a seat unit.
- Check the folded size against your car boot and hallway.
- Try the handlebar height, the weight and the one-hand fold.
- Check whether a car seat can click on, and which adapters you need.
| Carrycot | Pram | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | from birth until your baby reaches the maker's limit | from birth, with the lie-flat part used until your baby is ready to sit up in a seat unit |
What the guidance says
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position (feet at the bottom of the cot, Moses basket or pram).
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
- It is fine for a baby to fall asleep in a car seat while you travel, but take them out as soon as you arrive.
- Moses baskets and carrycots: look for BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023.
Related questions
How long can you use a carrycot?
From birth until your baby reaches the maker's limit.
How long can you use a pram?
From birth, with the lie-flat part used until your baby is ready to sit up in a seat unit.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
What safety standard should a carrycot have?Do I need a carrycot as well as a car seat?Is a stroller safe for a newborn?Guide to footmuffs & cosytoes: what to look forCarrycots buying guide for UK parentsGuide to prams & pushchairs: what to look forAll prams, pushchairs and travel systems advice →
Sources
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.