carrycot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “carrycot” mean?
A small portable bed for a baby, with handles, designed to be carried.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small portable bed for a baby, with handles, designed to be carried.
A portable bassinet that serves as both a bed and a transportation device for an infant, often used with a frame to become a stroller or pram.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'carrycot' is the standard term for a portable infant bed, often used with a pram chassis. In American English, the term is less common; 'portable crib', 'bassinet', or 'infant carrier' are more frequently used.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes a traditional, practical baby item often used with travel systems. In the US, it may sound British or unfamiliar to many speakers.
Frequency
High frequency in UK parenting contexts; low to very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “carrycot” in a Sentence
[verb] + carrycot: lift the carrycot, attach the carrycot, place in the carrycotVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of manufacturing, retail, or marketing of baby products.
Academic
Rare; might appear in sociological or design studies related to infant care products.
Everyday
Common in UK parenting discussions, shopping for baby items, and advice forums.
Technical
Used in product specifications, safety standards, and design documents for infant care equipment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carrycot”
- Using 'carrycot' to refer to a standard, non-portable baby crib. Spelling as 'carry-cot' or 'carry cot'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to carrycot the baby').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A Moses basket is typically a standalone woven basket with handles. A carrycot is often more structured, may have a rigid frame, and is specifically designed to attach to a pram or stroller chassis.
No, a carrycot is not a car seat and is not designed or safe for use as a restraint in a vehicle. For car travel, a properly fitted infant car seat is required.
Typically until the baby can roll over or push up on hands and knees, usually around 4-6 months, or as specified by the manufacturer's weight/height limits.
Its portability and dual function: it provides a safe, flat sleeping space for the baby at home or away, and easily attaches to a travel system for mobility without disturbing the sleeping infant.
A small portable bed for a baby, with handles, designed to be carried.
Carrycot is usually formal/neutral in register.
Carrycot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæri.kɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker.i.kɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think CARRY + COT: you CARRY a baby in a small COT.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR A BABY (Source Domain: Container; Target Domain: Infant care).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'carrycot' the most standard and frequent term?