Folding Carrycots: A Smarter Solution for Family Life

When preparing for a new arrival, choosing a pushchair is about more than finding a design you love. Practicality, comfort and versatility all play an important role in finding the right fit for your family.

A folding carrycot can be particularly useful when space is limited at home or you regularly travel by car. It offers a way to reduce the carrycot's size between outings, making room for the other essentials that come with family life.

With the iCandy Peach 8 featuring a folding carrycot, we explore how this design works and what to consider before choosing one.

What Is a Folding Carrycot?

A folding carrycot, also called a collapsible carrycot, is a newborn carrycot with a mechanism that reduces its size for storage and transport when it is empty. It is opened fully for use, providing the lie-flat space intended for your baby.

The folding mechanism is a storage feature. Before placing your baby inside, the carrycot must be fully opened, correctly assembled and secured in accordance with its instructions. Age, weight and development limits vary between models, so always check the guidance for your exact carrycot.

How Does a Folding Carrycot Help with Storage and Travel?

A carrycot that retains its full shape needs a dedicated space when it is not being used. A folding design reduces its profile between outings, which can make it easier to organise a hallway, cupboard or car boot.

Before choosing your pushchair, measure the space available and consider where you will keep the chassis, carrycot and changing bag. Check the carrycot's dimensions separately from those of the folded pushchair, as they describe different components.

If possible, try the full setup in your car at an iCandy stockist. A practical fitting can help you understand how everything will sit alongside shopping, luggage and everyday essentials.

What Should You Look for in a Folding Carrycot?

Meet the iCandy Peach 8 Folding Carrycot

The Peach 8 combines distinctive iCandy styling with a collapsible carrycot and an ergonomic one-hand release system for lifting it on and off the chassis. Its carrycot features 1,300cm² of ventilation, as listed in the Peach 8 product specifications.

Sources: Peach 8 product specifications and the Peach 8 instruction manual, page 69. Stop using the carrycot when any stated suitability limit is reached.

How Do You Fold the iCandy Peach 8 Carrycot?

The Peach 8 carrycot folds separately from the pushchair chassis. With the carrycot empty and your baby safely away from the folding mechanism:

1. Remove the carrycot from the chassis and lower the canopy.
2. Release the catch beneath the carrycot rim and rotate both chassis attachment brackets outwards, following the illustrated sequence.
3. Operate the fold release on each side and gently lower the upper frame towards the base.
4. Before using it again, reopen the carrycot and check that all locking mechanisms and attachment points are securely engaged.

Use this overview alongside the illustrated folding instructions on pages 36 and 37 of the Peach 8 manual. Refer to the full manual for reopening and setup.

Can a Folding Carrycot Be Used for Overnight Sleeping?

A folding mechanism does not establish whether a carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping. Check the manufacturer's guidance for the exact model.

The Peach 8 carrycot is suitable for permanent overnight sleeping at home or away when used as instructed. iCandy is also a supporting partner of The Lullaby Trust.

For every sleep, place your baby on their back in their own clear sleep space with a firm, flat mattress. Keep their sleep space in the same room as you for at least the first six months. Read The Lullaby Trust's safer sleep guidance for further advice.

Follow the carrycot instructions for positioning, mattress use and ventilation. The Peach 8 manual advises lowering the canopy and removing the apron indoors to help avoid overheating.

Folding Carrycot FAQs

Can you fold the Peach 8 pushchair with the carrycot attached?

No. Remove the carrycot before folding the chassis. According to our Peach 8 manual, it is required that the elevators, seat unit and car seat adaptors need to be removed before the chassis is folded.

How long can a baby use the Peach 8 carrycot?

It is intended for babies from birth up to six months, with a maximum weight of 9kg. Stop using it sooner if your baby can sit unaided, roll over or push up on their hands and knees. Age alone should not determine when to move on.

Can the Peach 8 carrycot be used on a stand?

Yes. The Peach 8 manual approves it for use with the iCandy MiStand. Follow the instructions for both products and confirm compatibility before using any other stand or chassis.

Is a folding carrycot the same as a lie-flat pushchair seat?

No. A folding carrycot is a separate carrycot that collapses for storage. A lie-flat seat is a pushchair seat with a reclined position. Their suitability and instructions differ, so check the exact product rather than relying on the folding or recline feature alone.