When to Move Your Baby Out of the Pram Bassinet and Into their Seat

Wondering when to move baby out of bassinet and into the pram seat? Most babies are ready somewhere around 4–6 months, but the real green light is developmental readiness, especially strong head and neck control and the ability to sit with support. At this stage, your baby is curious, alert, and keen to see the world, yet still needs a supportive, semi-reclined position and a secure 5-point harness.

What age do babies usually move out of a bassinet pram?

Most families transition around 4–6 months but age is a guide, not a rule. Readiness depends on how your baby is developing, the seat’s recline options, and your pram’s weight/length limits.

Why age matters (but isn’t everything):

• Under 6 months: Babies still need a deeply reclined position; avoid fully upright seating before 6 months. 
• Around 4–6 months: Many babies achieve strong head/neck control and can sit with support.

Think “developmental milestones” over date milestones:

• Head stays steady (no slumping) in semi-recline.
• Sits with support (not independent sitting).
• Outgrowing bassinet limits (weight/length) or trying to push up/look out.
• Appears restless lying flat and wants a more upright view.

What are the key signs your baby is ready for the pram seat?

Look for a cluster of physical and behavioural cues (not just one).

• Good head & neck control: Holds head steady in semi-recline without chin-to-chest slumping.
• Sits with support: You can hold them in seated position; they show trunk stability.
• Pushes up/rolls: Trying to prop up in the bassinet to see more.
• Outgrows the bassinet: Near or over the manufacturer’s weight/length limits.
• Restlessness in bassinet: Fusses lying flat, clearly wants a view.
• Pram compatibility: Your seat reclines deeply and has a secure 5-point harness per Australian standards.

How to safely transition your baby from bassinet to pram seat.

Follow these steps to keep things smooth and safe:

Read your manual
Confirm weight/length limits, recline angles, and harness setup for your specific pram. 

Start at the deepest recline
For the first rides, set the seat to its most reclined position (aiming for ~130° or more). Check that your baby’s chin isn’t on their chest and that they can turn their head freely. 

Always use the harness
Secure the 5-point harness (over shoulders, around hips, between legs). Straps should be snug (two-finger rule), flat (no twists), and sitting at or across the shoulders without rubbing the neck. 

Keep padding slim & compatible
Choose slim, harness-compatible accessories for comfort and to reduce slip: A breathable, linen pram liner is gentle on newborn skin and adds cushioned comfort without bulk, check out our Linen Pram Liners. Strap covers help protect little cheeks and shoulders from rough harness edges, see our Harness Cover Sets.

Build up gradually
Start with short, calm outings. If your baby stays comfortable, increase the recline angle little by little over several trips.

Manage naps the safe way
If your baby falls asleep in the seat: fully recline, keep them harnessed, remove soft items, supervise closely, and transition to a cot when you can. 

Re-check fit and comfort
Babies grow fast, review harness fit and recline frequently. Watch cues like rubbing ears (strap irritation), slumping, or frustration, and adjust as needed.

Like most milestones, moving from bassinet to seat is about readiness over dates. Watch the signs, start with a deep recline, keep the 5-point harness snug, and build up in short, calm outings. If you’re unsure, check your pram manual or chat with your child health nurse.