The Importance of a Carrycot

A new baby requires so many items and purchases, some essential and some added luxuries. So, what do you really need when it comes to providing the ultimate safety and comfort for your newborn to sleep, primarily in those first few formative months?

From bedside cribs to moses baskets and in between, there is so much choice for you and your baby. Yet, the great news is every iCandy carrycot is suitable for permanent overnight sleeping and here's why...

We are proud to advise that all iCandy carrycots adhere to the following important criteria in addition to the relevant standards (EN1466):

• Be rigid bodied.
• Have a removal apron for indoor use and ventilation.
• Have a canopy that can be lowered.
• Have a mattress that is tested and treated to conform to British Safety Standards for flammability (BS7177).
• Have fabrics and fillings that are also flame retardant and comply with British Standards for flammability (BS5852).

A carrycot plays an essential and crucial part in the first six months of a baby’s life. iCandy carrycots are lightweight, portable and can easily be attached to the pushchair’s chassis, making it the perfect moses basket or travel cot solution. When it comes to a travel system, it’s the first configuration that will be used with a newborn.

If a pushchair doesn’t feature a 100% lie-flat seating option, then a carrycot is a must as it allows a newborn to lie completely flat on their back. A flat back is vitally important for your baby’s health, especially during the early stages as this can help support with spinal development and growth.

‘Always put your baby on their back for every sleep, day, and night, as the chance of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side… All babies should sleep on their backs unless there is medical advice saying something different. If your baby has reflux, or any other on-going health condition, speak to your doctor about the best care for them. You should not sleep your baby on their front unless you have been advised to do so by a medical professional.’ – The Lullaby Trust. This preferred sleeping position for your baby offers enough space and comfortable positioning for easy breathing. As stated by The Sleep Foundation, ‘it is recommended that newborns have 14-17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, therefore it’s crucial that their sleeping environment is safe and comfortable.’

As advised by The Lullaby Trust, it is essential to use:

‘a firm and flat mattress that is protected by a waterproof cover. This will help keep the mattress clean and dry, as the cover can be wiped down’. Secondly, they recommend to ‘make sure your baby’s mattress is in good condition and that it fits the moses basket or cot properly’.

The iCandy carrycots come with a padded mattress including a removable, washable cover that is designed to fit the carrycot perfectly, providing a comfortable and healthy place for your baby to sleep. If you are using a second hand iCandy pushchair for your baby it is recommended that the mattress is replaced.

The Lullaby Trust also inform that it is important to ensure that your baby is at a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold.

‘A room temperature of 16-20°C – with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag– is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.’

All iCandy carrycots have breathable fabrics with airflow around the base panel, making them the ideal solution for a comfortable sleeping environment. It can be difficult to judge temperature in the room, so use a thermometer where your baby sleeps.

It’s strongly advised that your baby should not sleep in car seats longer than is necessary.

‘Car seats are designed to keep babies safe while travelling, not as a main sleeping place. Car seats should only be used for transport and not as an alternative for cots or highchairs. It’s ok for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling, but they should be taken out as soon as you get to your destination, and placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep.’ – The Lullaby Trust.

Welcoming a baby doesn’t mean compromising on your personal or interior design style. With so many fashion-forward colourways to choose from across the iCandy collections, you are guaranteed to find an iCandy pushchair that will not only turn heads along the high street but will complement your home décor too. Plus, iCandy pushchair bundles come complete with a carrycot, so most importantly, there is no additional expense for parents-to-be - an added bonus! Lastly, it’s valuable to note that an iCandy carrycot can be used from birth until your baby can start to sit up unaided, this age can vary, or a maximum weight of 9kg (depending on which comes first).

Anything that adds safety and comfort to your little human is worth investing in. Carrycots are like a baby cocoon. They keep your infant safe, secure, and comfortable. It’s totally worth becoming their first special bed!

To view the iCandy Collection, click here.