What is a folding carrycot? Everything parents need to know

Choosing a pushchair for a newborn can feel like learning an entirely new language. Carrycots, bassinets, travel systems, parent-facing seats, chassis folds – and now folding carrycots.

So, what exactly is a folding carrycot, and why might you want one?

Put simply, a folding carrycot is a newborn carrycot designed to collapse or fold down to take up less space when it isn't being used. Some of the latest pushchairs go a step further, allowing the carrycot to remain attached to the pushchair chassis while the whole system is folded.

For parents short on storage space, regularly putting a pushchair into the car or simply looking for an easier everyday travel system, that can make a big difference.

What is a folding carrycot?

A traditional carrycot is generally a fairly rigid structure. It's designed to provide a comfortable, lie-flat environment for a newborn, but its size means it can take up considerable room when storing or transporting your pushchair.

A folding or foldable carrycot is designed differently.

The carrycot can collapse into a flatter, more compact shape, reducing the amount of space it occupies.

However, not every folding carrycot works in exactly the same way.

Some carrycots must first be removed from the pushchair before they can be collapsed. Others can fold while still attached to the pushchair chassis.

The latter is particularly useful because it can eliminate an extra step every time you put your pushchair away.

Can you fold a pushchair with the carrycot attached?

With some pushchairs, yes.

Traditionally, parents would remove the carrycot, put it to one side and then fold the pushchair chassis separately.

Newer pushchair designs are beginning to offer a carrycot-on-frame fold, where the carrycot stays attached to the chassis.

The My Babiie MB450 ARC, for example, features an innovative folding carrycot that folds down while attached to the chassis, allowing the carrycot and pushchair frame to fold together into one compact unit.

That means there's no need to remove the carrycot every time you want to fold the pushchair.

What are the benefits of a folding carrycot?

Easier car boot storage

Anyone who has travelled with a newborn knows just how quickly a car boot fills up.

Pushchair. Carrycot. Changing bag. Shopping. Travel cot. Suitcases.

A carrycot that folds down can significantly reduce the amount of space your travel system occupies.

And if the carrycot can remain attached to the chassis, you also have one complete folded unit rather than two large separate pieces to load into the car.

Easier storage at home

Pushchairs aren't always kept in spacious hallways or garages.

If you live in a flat, apartment or house with limited storage, a bulky carrycot can be awkward to store.

A folding carrycot can make your travel system much easier to tuck away when it isn't being used.

Fewer pieces to manage

Traditional travel systems often mean removing the carrycot before folding the chassis.

That's another item to pick up, carry and find somewhere to put.

A carrycot-on-frame folding system simplifies the process.

Useful when travelling

Visiting family, weekends away and family holidays usually mean transporting considerably more equipment than you did before having a baby.

Being able to make your pushchair and carrycot more compact can therefore be particularly useful when travelling.

Are folding carrycots suitable for newborns?

Whether a carrycot is suitable for a newborn depends on the individual product rather than whether or not it folds.

Always check the manufacturer's age, weight and usage guidance for the particular carrycot you're considering.

The carrycot included with the My Babiie MB450 ARC is suitable from birth to approximately 6 months and includes a padded mattress. It also features ventilation and a UPF50+ canopy.

Folding carrycot vs collapsible carrycot – is there a difference?

You'll see several different phrases used when shopping online:

• Folding carrycot
• Foldable carrycot
• Collapsible carrycot
• Folding bassinet
• Foldable bassinet
• Carrycot-on-frame fold

• Pushchair that folds with the carrycot attached

These can describe similar concepts, but it's important to look at how the individual product actually folds.

A carrycot described as "foldable" may simply collapse once it has been removed from the chassis.

If convenience is your priority, look specifically for a pushchair where the carrycot itself can remain attached while the chassis is folded.

Meet the My Babiie MB450 ARC folding carrycot

The My Babiie MB450 ARC was designed around making everyday life with a baby that little bit easier.

Its standout feature is its innovative folding carrycot.

Instead of removing the carrycot before folding the pushchair, the MB450 ARC carrycot can remain attached to the chassis and fold down with the frame, creating one compact unit that's easier to store and transport.

The carrycot also offers two height settings, allowing parents to adjust its position on the chassis.

Once your baby progresses beyond the carrycot stage, the MB450 ARC converts to a pushchair with a height-adjustable seat that can be positioned either parent-facing or world-facing.

What else should I look for in a folding carrycot travel system?

The folding mechanism is important, but it shouldn't be the only consideration.

When comparing travel systems, think about:
Newborn suitability – Check the manufacturer's guidance for using the carrycot from birth.
Mattress and comfort – Look at the mattress and internal padding.
Ventilation – Ventilated panels can help airflow around your baby.
Sun protection – A good canopy can provide useful protection while you're out.
Pushchair weight – Consider whether you'll regularly need to lift the pushchair into a car.
Folded dimensions – Measure your car boot or storage space rather than relying purely on the word "compact".
Wheels and suspension – Think about where you'll actually use your pushchair.
Seat configuration – A parent and world-facing seat gives you greater flexibility as your child grows.
Accessories – Check what's actually included rather than assuming accessories come as standard.

Is a folding carrycot worth it?

For many families, the biggest advantage is simply convenience.

A newborn comes with plenty of equipment already. If your carrycot can fold down rather than remaining as another large, rigid item to store and transport, that's one less thing competing for space.

And a pushchair that can fold with its carrycot still attached can make the process even simpler.

If you're looking for a travel system that combines newborn comfort with clever everyday storage, explore the My Babiie MB450 ARC Folding Carrycot Travel System collection and discover how its innovative carrycot-on-frame fold works.

Folding carrycot FAQs

What is a folding carrycot?

A folding carrycot is a newborn carrycot designed to collapse or fold into a more compact shape for easier storage and transportation.

Can a carrycot fold while attached to a pushchair?

Some can. The My Babiie MB450 ARC is designed so its carrycot can remain attached to the chassis while the carrycot and frame fold together.

Are all carrycots foldable?

No. Many traditional carrycots maintain their full shape and need to be removed from the pushchair before the chassis can be folded.

Is a folding carrycot suitable from birth?

This depends on the individual product. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance. The MB450 ARC carrycot is suitable from birth to approximately 6 months.

Why choose a pushchair with a folding carrycot?

The main advantages are easier storage and transportation, particularly for families with smaller car boots or limited storage space.

Which My Babiie pushchair has a folding carrycot?

The My Babiie MB450 ARC range features an innovative folding carrycot that can fold while remaining attached to the pushchair chassis.