Key Takeaways
- The weight capacity of a cot is highly dependent on the materials used to make it
- The cot is usually outgrown once your baby exceeds a weight of 15 to 22 kg and a height of 89 cm
It’s so exciting to shop for your baby’s furniture, and every parent wants the best quality for their little one. A cot is one of the most important pieces of furniture to buy. When buying a cot, you should check the weight capacity to give you an idea of how long you’ll be able to use the crib for.
How much weight a cot can hold differs because of multiple factors, some of which are detailed below:
- The type of material used to build the cot
- The design and style of the cot
- The amount of screws and nails used to make the cot
Before buying your cot, testing how much extra weight it can take is a great idea. So, let’s keep reading about what affects the weight capacity of cots.
In This Article
- How Are Weight Restrictions For Cots Determined?
- How is Cot Weight Limit Testing Conducted?
- How Does The Type Of Cot Change Their Weight Limits?
- Can You Join Your Baby In A Cot?
- What About A Cot’s Height Restriction?
- When Should You Stop Using A Cot?
How Are Weight Restrictions For Cots Determined?
The weight restrictions of cots are mainly determined by the materials they’re made from. Below we have detailed some of the most common materials for cots to be made from:
- Plywood – This is the lightest option for materials for a cot
- Wood – This is considered the most durable and robust material for a cot
- Plywood covered in wood – Slightly more reinforced from the wood, but still light and less durable than a solid wooden cot
- Metal – One of the strongest and heaviest materials for a cot to be made out of
How is Cot Weight Limit Testing Conducted?
All cots manufactured and sold in Australia must comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standards; Cots for household use – Safety requirements (AS/NZS 2172:2013). The cots are therefore tested against these requirements before being sold.
Cots should be tested in laboratories with the correct skills for the task at hand. Ideally, these should be third-party labs, as this removes the risk of bias.
How Does The Type Of Cot Change Their Weight Limits?
Considering how the maximum weight limit of a cot is affected by the materials they’re made from, another aspect we need to consider is its type. Here are some of the different types of cots and their weight limits.
What Are The Average Weight Limits Of Convertible Cots?
Convertible cots adapt to fit babies as they grow into toddlers and older children. There are three different types of convertible cots:
- 2-in-1 cots can be used from birth and converted to a small bed built for a fully grown five-year-old child. The maximum weight capacity of a 2-in-1 cot is usually around 22.7 kg
- 3-in-1 cots are also built to take your baby from infant to young child; this convertible cot generally has a weight limit of 22.7 kg
- 4-in-1 cots can convert into a full-size bed, so its weight limit can support a fully grown teenager
What Are The Average Weight Limits Of Mini Cots?
The weight limit of the mini crib or cot depends on the materials and brand. The mini cot is made strictly for babies and can usually support a maximum weight capacity of 9 to 18 kg.
What Are The Average Weight Limits Of Travel Cots?
Travel cots often have a higher weight limit of between 0 and 20 kg. This allows them to hold babies from birth to toddlerhood. However, the weight limit will depend on the individual travel cot, so make sure to check the label before using one.
How To Choose A Cot With A High Enough Weight Capacity?
The best advice we could give here would be to choose a cot with the highest weight capacity that you can find. Most children outgrow their cots between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, so to get the most out of your cot, you should look for one with an upper weight limit of between 15 and 20 kg. This will last you right until your child outgrows their cot.
However, when looking for a convertible crib, you’ll need to look for one with a higher weight limit to make sure your baby doesn’t outgrow it before they should. Convertible cribs should have a weight limit of over 20 kg to accommodate children up to five years old.
When looking for a smaller bed, such as a bassinet, look for the highest weight capacity possible. This will allow you to get the most out of your money and keep your baby safely sleeping for longer before you need to upgrade to a cot.
Can You Join Your Baby In A Cot?
No, baby cots are not designed to hold adult weight. Most cots will have an upper weight limit, and this will not accommodate an adult’s weight.
Sometimes, parents or caregivers want to get into the cot with their child. However, it’s important that you do not do this, as cots are not designed for adult use. When exposed to excess weight, a cot loses its longevity, increasing the risk of breaking and your baby getting hurt.
How can I sleep close to my baby?
There are alternatives to getting in your baby’s cot, if you feel the need to sleep with them. A few of these have been detailed below:
- You could place a blow-up mattress next to the cot and sleep on the floor
- You could use a method of co-sleeping and safe bed sharing. You need to be extremely careful with this and ensure nothing covers their face to prevent suffocation or overheating; the mattress is firm and flat to prevent rolling, falling off the bed, or getting trapped. Check out our tips to co-sleeping safely here
- You could use a co-sleeper cot. This will go right next to the side of your bed, giving you unobstructed access to your baby without having to get up
- You could push your baby’s cot right next to your bed
What About A Cot’s Height Restriction?
As much as a baby’s weight would affect the effectiveness of a cot, so does the baby’s height. Your baby’s cot usually has a height limit of 89 cm. At this height, the bed should be converted or exchanged for a toddler bed to prevent the baby from becoming cramped and uncomfortable.
You can look at average baby height and weight charts to try and determine when yo
u’ll expect your baby to grow out of their baby crib.
When Should You Stop Using A Cot?
A baby must stop using a cot when they outgrow it, either in weight or height. Babies who have exceeded the standard crib weight limit of 22 kg and a height of 89 cm need to move on to a toddler bed. Babies should also discontinue using a cot if there are visible signs of danger, such as damaged materials and protruding screws and nails, for your child’s maximum safety.
Babies usually hit the above limits between the ages of two and three years old. However, you should always check the manual of your specific baby cribs to make sure you know the exact limits of the baby furniture you’re using.
The Importance Of Regularly Inspecting And Maintaining A Cot
It’s incredibly important to regularly inspect your cot to prevent risking your baby from getting injured. Below we have detailed some things you should inspect regularly, and why it’s important:
- The drop-side: Cots with drop-sides might cause injury if the joints aren’t securely fastened
- The wooden slats: Teething babies often chew their wooden cots, which can cause the wood to splinter and inflict injury if left broken
- The base: Cots that have been well used will eventually begin to break down and weaken, which can cause a dangerous sleeping space if it causes the mattress to sink and bunch
- The hardware: Screws can come loose on cots after plenty of use, which can become choking hazards, as well as making the bed unsafe and unstable
Regularly inspecting and maintaining the cot can keep your baby safe and allow them to use their cot for longer, preventing you from having to replace their bed too early.
Final Thoughts On How Much Weight Can A Crib Hold
The amount of weight that a baby’s cot holds is mainly determined by the materials it’s made from. The more durable the material, the more weight it should be able to handle, increasing its longevity. However, as strong as the materials are, placing too much weight into your baby’s cot is still not recommended, as the excess weight could cause damage.