What to look for in a carrycot pushchair that will last

The arrival of your new baby means even more adventures, and, with the right pushchair, you’ll be ready for whatever lies ahead. For an infant who can’t yet hold their head up, a carrycot pushchair is just the thing, making walks and on-the-go naps a breeze. 

To help you pick the perfect carrycot pushchair, we’ll discuss several things to look for when you’re shopping. But first things first: Let’s define what a carrycot pushchair is to help you differentiate it from other pushchair. 

What is a carrycot pushchair ?

A carrycot pushchair is just what it sounds like. Essentially, it’s a baby bed on wheels! It consists of a removable carrycot that attaches to a regular pushchair frame. These pushchairs are designed so that newborns and infants can lie down flat while you stroll. This configuration makes them different from car seat pushchair options — and ideal for walking and napping! That said, we’d like to touch on two important factors to take into account when you start shopping for a carrycot pushchair: how many children you have and your lifestyle.

Mom walking her baby outside in a carrycot pushchair

Factors to consider before shopping

Woman going for a walk with a double pushchair

How many children you have

Carrycot pushchairs aren’t only for parents of one. Whether you have twins or a new baby plus a toddler, there’s a double carrycot pushchair for you! 

The Bugaboo Donkey 5 Duo is designed for siblings of different ages and can be configured to fit one seat and one carrycot or two seats. 

Meanwhile, the Donkey 5 Twin is (as you can guess) ideal for twins and fits either two bassinets, two seats, or one carrycot and one seat. 

This side-by-side pushchair is also slimmer than you might think. At 73 cm wide, it fits through most standard doorways so you can navigate the supermarket and your favourite coffee shop without batting an eye. 

And if you have three kids of varying ages and need an extra seat, add the Bugaboo comfort wheeled board. Hop in, everyone! 

Only have one co-pilot but plan on adding more to your crew? Consider a single carrycot pushchair (like the Donkey 5 Mono) that converts into a double pushchair in just a few clicks when your family grows. 

In the meantime, enjoy spacious storage for yummy snacks and all of the other fun things you need for your adventures. 


Parent in a park with her baby in a carrycot pushchair

Your lifestyle

The other big factor to consider before choosing a carrycot pushchair is your lifestyle. Where will you be taking this pushchair? 

In general, neither your newborn nor carrycot pushchairs are made for off-road adventures or running, but carrycot pushchairs with wheel suspension are more adept at taking on the (literal) bumps in the road. 

For example, our Fox 3 is the ultimate all-terrain pushchair that comes with a carrycot option. Its four-wheel suspension and large puncture-proof wheels make for a smooth, steady ride — perfect for undisturbed naps. 

The innovative central joint works in harmony with the rest of the pushchair to absorb shakiness from going up curbs and rolling on cobblestone. This design adds just the right amount of extra comfort for your baby! 

For city-dwellers looking for a more compact pushchair , we recommend the Bee 6 bassinet + seat pushchair, which offers comfort and ease in a compact size. 

If you plan on keeping your bassinet pushchair around for the long haul, taking your lifestyle into account means that you’ll be able to stroll comfortably for years to come. With the right option, you can easily transition your baby into a regular pushchair seat when they’re ready. 

As a matter of fact, the Fox 3 and Donkey 5 Mono easily turn into a seat when your baby can hold their head up — no additional piece needed! 

Lastly, if you’ll be popping your pushchair into the boot, we recommend checking those dimensions, too. 

Taking these important factors into account, let’s move on to discuss what to look for in a quality carrycot pushchair that you’ll love and use for the long run. 

What to look for in a carrycot pushchair

Baby sleeping in a carrycot pushchair

Durability 

For a pushchair to see you through the years, it’s got to hold up to all the mischief you and your tiny partner will get into. 

Check the warranty of the pushchair you’re considering, and make sure it’s meticulously tested and crafted to exceed quality standards. 

With Bugaboo, pushchairs registered on Bugaboo.com from and including April 1st, 2021, will receive 2 additional years warranty when registered within 3 months of purchase. Read more about our 2+2 warranty here

Also, look for high-quality materials that are durable and easy to care for. 

We recommend machine-washable fabric that makes tidying up a cinch. And because we know the importance of convenient cleaning, most Bugaboo fabrics can be easily detached and thrown in the washing machine.

Options and adaptability 

To use a carrycot pushchair for a long time, it needs to be adaptable as well as durable. 

We touched on this in the previous section, but look for a pushchair that easily transitions from a bassinet into a seat to accommodate your growing baby (or your growing Mom touching sleeping baby’s hand as she strolls her

Safety 

In general, carrycots are safe spaces for babies to nap in. This is one of the great things about carrycot pushchairs. You’ll just want to make sure that the pushchair you choose and any extra features it has are up to date when it comes to industry safety standards. 

Since your baby’s carrycot pushchair is, after all, a bed on wheels, our bassinet attachments at Bugaboo are made with a soft, aerated mattress that allows your baby to sleep comfortably and breathe easily. 

Live in a warmer climate? The Fox 3 and Donkey 5 come with a breezy carrycot that has soft mesh side panels for smoother airflow and a glimpse of the exciting world around your pushchair. When it gets windy, simply seal the panel shut for extra protection and warmth.

Easy transportability 

Pushchairs enable you to take your life and little co-pilot on the go. With the right ride, nothing can stop the two of you! And it will be easier if the carrycot pushchair you choose is lightweight and folds easily for all of your adventures. 

Whether it’s in and out of the boot or up and down the metro, you’ll thank yourself later. 

At Bugaboo, the Bugaboo Lynx is our lightest full-size pushchair and folds into one light piece you can then effortlessly take up, down, in, and out as needed. 

Sufficient storage space 

Be sure to evaluate the available storage space when you’re shopping for a bassinet pushchair. Newborns need a lot of stuff, so it’s important to have a place to put it all when you’re out and about. 

All of the Bugaboo pushchairs offer ample under-seat storage. But, if you’re strolling with only one baby, opt for the Donkey 5 Mono, which gives you not only under-seat storage but also a side luggage basket to tote whatever you might need. 

Between these two storage spaces, you can carry up to 19 kg of goodies while still pushing effortlessly. 

No matter which pushchair design you choose, if you need a little extra space, add our multi-pocket organizer, which is compatible with all Bugaboo pushchairs except the Ant

Good manoeuvrability 

For us, easy steering is an essential feature of any pushchair. 

Whether you’re going up and down curbs or rushing through tight spaces, you want a pushchair that is easy to manoeuvre and can be pushed with one hand. That leaves your other hand free to take a call, sip your favorite drink, or tend to the other kid-partner by your side. 

With the 2-wheel and 4-wheel suspension of Bugaboo pushchairs, manoeuvrability is a given.

Available extras and accessories 

The final thing you’ll want to look for in a carrycot pushchair is the ability to add all of the extras and accessories that are must-haves for your lifestyle. 

For your brand-new baby and their first few strolls, you may want a newborn inlay to keep them cosy. 

This provides an essential extra layer of warmth and protection and a handy inner strap to keep your newborn comfortably in place. It’s also made with soft cotton fabrics designed for their sensitive skin. 

If you’re looking to keep drinks within reach while on the go, add a cup holder for you and your partner in crime! This extra feature keeps little tummies happy and you fueled and ready to cruise around town. 

We even offer a smartphone holder for your pushchair to help you navigate the city at a glance! 

A carrycot pushchair for every family

Keep in mind that pushchairs — just like families — come in all shapes and sizes, and you have lots of choices! There’s truly a carrycot pushchair for every family, whether you’ve got one, two, or three children — and no matter where you live. Turn to the Fox 3 for all-terrain adventures or the Bee 6 for city strolling. If a double carrycot pushchair is the order of the day, look no further than the Donkey 5 Twin. Add the accessories and extras that fit your needs, and just like that, you’re out and about with the newest member of your family!

Couple going for a walk with their baby

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