For most new parents one of the biggest purchases – both in terms of size and cost – is their baby’s crib.
When you first put your baby in a crib, either as a newborn or when they transitioned from their bassinet, your little one probably looked very small compared to the overall size of the bed.
But fast-forward a few years and the opposite theme is likely to be on your mind, and you may be asking yourself how much weight your crib can hold and whether your child will soon to be too heavy for it.
So let’s take a look at weight limits and safety in more detail.
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How Much Weight Can A Crib Hold?
The exact amount of weight that a crib (or cot) can hold will depend on the model and the material that it is made out of.
Typically, most cribs can safely hold a child that weighs between 35 – 50 pounds.
In terms of age, 50 pounds usually equates to a child that is between 4 to 5 years of age.
Most babies tend to have transitioned out of a crib or cot by this age, so generally this weight / age limit isn’t too much of a concern.
But as we mentioned, the materials and sizes do vary, so you should refer to your manufacture’s manual to confirm the exact limit of your child’s crib.
How Much Weight Can A Mini Crib Hold?
The story is slightly different when it comes to mini cribs.
These are a great option for when space is limited – for example in a vacation home where space may be more at a premium, or if your baby’s room at home is on the smaller side meaning every spare inch counts.
As you may expect, mini cribs tend to have a lower recommended weight compared to standard or full-sized ones.
Typically, a mini crib has a weight limit of 40 pounds, although some on the market can only safely hold 35 pounds, while others can hold up to 45 pounds.
But again, it’s important to note that as sizes and materials vary, so it’s a good idea to refer to the manufacture’s manual to confirm the exact limit of yours.
Another word of caution is that a mini crib will usually have shorter rails, so if your child is on the taller side, you may need to transition them out of one before they can climb out themselves.
Graco Crib Weight Limit
Graco cribs are some of the most popular and widely-purchased out there, so many parents wonder what the weight limit is for a Graco crib.
A Graco 4 in 1 crib is a popular model because it converts from a daybed, toddler bed, and full-size bed with headboard, meaning it adapts to the changing needs of your growing baby.
Graco’s 4 in 1 model have a maximum recommended weight limit of 50 pounds.
In addition, it’s worth noting that the maximum child height for the crib stage of a Graco 4 in 1 is 35 inches.
Can I Lay In The Crib With My Baby?
It is not advisable to lay in your baby’s crib for several reasons, including:
- You might break it, given the combined weight of a baby and adult is well above the 50lb maximum stated above.
- Cribs are too small a space for both you and your child to safely sleep in.
- Given the high rails, you may injure yourself when getting in and out, and if you lose your footing or balance then you may crush your baby if you fall on top of them.
When Can My Baby Sleep In A Crib Alone?
A very common question among new parents is when is it safe for their baby to sleep alone in a crib or cot.
The advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centres For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that babies should sleep in the same room as an adult until at least the age of 6 months.
This is one reason why many parents prefer to initially use a bassinet and then a crib, because bassinets are purposefully designed for newborns and very young babies, so given their smaller size they are easier to fit beside your bed.
Must Read: The Ultimate Guide To Baby & Toddler Sleep
