Do you know how much weight can a crib hold? It’s no lie that a baby crib is one of the most pricey baby gear.
And, it’s the desire of all parents that a crib should last till their little one outgrows sleeping in a crib.
Some parents fancy the idea of cuddling with your little bundle of joy in the crib, but the crib doesn’t look like it can hold.
Still, babies can have severe injuries from sleeping in a crib that cannot support their weight.
To ensure your little bundle of joy is safe and you are knowledgeable before making this necessary purchase, we have all the answers you need to know.
How Much Weight Can A Crib Hold
Cribs consist of different materials. Particular cribs can hold different amounts of weight.
However, in rare cases, crib manufacturers design cribs that can hold more than 50 pounds (22.68kgs).
Typically, a standard-sized crib should hold between 35 pounds(16kgs) to 50 pounds.
While there is no hard and fast age when your baby is ready to move on from the crib, most manufacturers design cribs to support between 0-4 years of age; hence the weight limit.
1. What Determines How Much Weight Can A Crib Hold
The material that’s at the bottom of the crib determines how much weight it can hold.
Most cribs either have plywood or slats with wood covering them.
Plywood is particularly a flimsy material and may fail to maintain the maximum amount of weight.
Cribs that have slats with wood on top of them may be able to hold more weight.
Also, the hardness of the wood will determine how much extra weight a crib can hold.
More robust wood varieties, Yellow Birch, American Beech, Maple Wood, Oak, Ashwood, and even the common softwood pine, can hold a decent weight.
Cribs with more stabilizer bars, long metal rods under the crib are more sturdy and firm.
The stabilizer bars fasten both ends of the crib and help to strengthen the frame. A crib may appear very sturdy, but it’s vital to heed to any set weight limits.
2. Should You Get In The Crib With Your Baby
Some parents usually get into the crib with their baby. While co-sleeping may benefit both kids and parents, it’s unwise for adults to get into a crib.
Cribs are small for grown-ups and may fail to support the weight of a grown adult.
Although some parents occasionally cuddle their baby to sleep in the crib, it’s not safe for you or the baby.
The materials lose their durability when put on excessive weight and strain. Ultimately, the crib may break and injure you or your baby.
Not to forget, you are taking up most of the already limited space, creating an uncomfortable and risky sleeping situation for your baby.
If you feel that you have to help your little bundle of joy wind down, check the following alternatives:
- Placing the crib right beside your bed
- Place an air mattress next to the crib or sleeping right on the floor
- Bed sharing, although you have to be extra vigilant not to cover their face or roll over them
- Co sleepers and bassinets. You are capable of using these until your kid can sit up on their own.
- Cardboard baby box
- Consult your baby’s pediatrician
3. Other Crib Restrictions
It’s also vital to check on a crib’s height restrictions.
The majority of baby cribs have a height limitation of around 36 inches tall.
It’s easy for tall babies, over 35 inches, to climb out of the crib and may hurt themselves.
Also, the height restriction enables your little one to stretch out without hurting their head or legs on the crib’s end comfortably.
Luckily, you can transform most baby cribs into a toddler bed once they outgrow the 36-inch height before they can crawl out on their own.
Still, it would be best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the maximum weight capacity.
Learn more in: 5 Signs Your Child Is Ready For A Toddler Bed
How much weight can a crib hold will depend on the material used by the manufacturer.
However, it would be best to find other alternatives for your little one’s safety once they outgrow the 50-pound weight limit and 35-inch height limit.
Related Post: When To Lower Crib?
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
