Understanding the move from carrycot to pram seat
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 pram 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 pram seat?
Most babies are ready to move from a carrycot to a pram 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.
What do Australian safe sleep guidelines recommend?
In Australia, Red Nose recommends that babies are always placed on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface in a safe sleep environment. This aligns with Australian safe sleep guidance, which advises against allowing babies to sleep in products that keep them in an inclined or semi-upright position for extended periods.
While a carrycot provides a flat, lie-flat position suitable for newborns, it's generally time to transition to the pram seat once your baby can sit more independently or has outgrown the carrycot, following the age, weight and developmental guidance for your Silver Cross model. Until then, a lie-flat position offers the best support for young babies while they're out and about.
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat or capsule, Red Nose recommends transferring them to a firm, flat sleep surface once you've reached your destination, as car seats are designed for travel rather than routine sleep. For longer journeys, it's also recommended to take regular breaks at least every two hours.
When to switch from a carrycot to a seat unit
Look out for the following signs to help you decide if it’s time to change your carrycot pram to a seat unit:
- 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 pram or stroller.
Prams & Travel Systems: Our prams, like the iconic Silver Cross Cove or Reef, include a newborn carrycot for lie-flat safety, before converting into a pram 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 prams 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, like the Jet 5, are ideal for travel and everyday use.
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 prams.
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 pram seat 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 pram.
