Chariots All Terrain Pushchairs Why do I need a Carrycot ?

Why do I need a Carrycot ?

Health professionals insist that new born babies must lay flat, because it gives them:

correct spinal position for healthy development during that rapid growth in the first few months

freedom of body movement for comfort

the ability to turn their heads to be sick

Q. So do I have to buy a Carrycot ?

A. No there are several alternatives:

the Mountain Buggy Recline Seat can be lowered to 15 degrees above horizontal and with a Mini Snuggle Bag fitted you can achieve a similar level of comfort to the Carrycot

an infant car seat can be fitted to your single Mountain Buggy pushchair with the optional Car Seat Adaptor which will accept many leading makes of infant car seat, e.g. Britax Rock-a-Tot or Maxi Cosi City

but whilst both of these are suitable for a new born neither option is as ideal as the Clipon Carrycot (especially if used on rough ground). You should also note that most health professionals would recommend that parents minimise the length of time a baby spends in an infant car seat.

And then or course lastly there is:

a sling or baby carrier - they are designed and tested to provide the correct posture and head/neck support that a young baby needs. Plus they have close body contact with you. For a top quality baby carrier see the Kelty Baby Carrier

Q. So why should I buy a Carrycot ?

A. Because:

you intend to use your Mountain Buggy off road later and have chosen the Zip Hammock Seat Seat option

you want to lay your baby completely flat rather use the almost flat Recline Seat option

you want a carrycot - which can be very convenient in many situations in addition to being used on your Mountain Buggy

a sling may not be your preferred option or practical in common situations:

you're recovering after having a baby !

if the season or terrain means that you aren't confident of a secure footing then you may feel that your baby is vulnerable should you slip over

if your baby falls asleep on a walk you can't easily leave it in the sling until he/she wakes up

you can't stand a sling out in the garden on a fine day to sleep in the fresh air (note that all pushchairs must be labelled to warn parents not to leave a child in the pushchair unattended)

a sling may not be practical for you as the only option as your baby grows - approximately doubling their birth weight in the first six months

It depends very much on your lifestyle and how you intend to use your pushchair.

Q. So what is the Carry Cot ?

A. The Carrycot is not merely an attachment for the standard pushchair seat, it completely replaces the standard seat which is stored for later use when the baby is old enough. Converts your pushchair into a pram for those all important first few months.

clamps on the side of the Carrycot close simply aroud the frame to secure it

incorporates 'D' rings for use with a Body Harness to give extra security from sudden jolts or the 'helpful' attentions of older children - useful when the top cover is removed

includes a standard size removable mattress

includes its own sun canopy and storm cover

a Mini Snuggle Bag can be fitted to keep your baby extra cosy but you may not need it as the Carrycot is fully lined

for real luxury add a Lambskin Stroller Fleece - whilst it's really intended for the standard seat it also fits the Carrycot

Q. When does the baby move from the Carrycot to the standard seat ?

A. This depends very much on the baby, how you use the pushchair and if you have any extras, e.g. head hugger or mini snuggle bag fitted, also whether you have bought your Mountain Buggy with the Recline Seat or the Zip Hammock Seat. For guidance we would suggest:

Zip Hammock at lowest position used off road or around town minimum 3 months

Recline Seat at lowest position used around town from birth or off road minimum 3 months

If in doubt ask your midwife or health professional as they are best placed to advise you... it's what they are there for !

Q. When I first use the standard seat is there anything special I should do ?

A. Apart from ensuring that the walks are not particularly arduous - lengthy or rough terrain we would recommend:

that a Head Hugger is used to give extra support and conceal excess shoulder harness straps

use a Body Harness rather than the fitted five point harness as a more secure fit can be obtained for a smaller child

Q. I am expecting our second baby, my eldest is only 2 years old and not yet able to walk far. What are my options ?

A. It depends on your lifetstyle but there are three options:

buy a Mountain Buggy Double ATP and have a Carrycot on one side

use a baby sling for the early months instead of a Carrycot in the hope that the extra few months will make all the difference the toddler's ability to walk

fit a Buggy Board to a single Mountain Buggy, it works well with the Carrycot fitted not with the standard Zip Hammock or Recline seat in the reclined position. Please note though that the Kiddy Board wheels are not designed for use off road on soft ground.