What Is the Weight Limit on Mini Cribs?

With the price of cribs being what they are, purchasing one is an investment. A mini crib has become a popular alternative to a regular sized crib when space in the home is limited. It has all the functionality of a regular sized crib, but the weight capacity may differ from a regular sized crib.

Description

A mini crib is defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as a "non-full size baby crib" that has an interior length of less than 49.7 inches, an interior width of 25.3 inches, or both. This includes portable, unconventionally shaped, crib-pen, undersized and over-sized cribs. They are usually made of a combination of metal and hardwood parts.

Types

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A non-convertible mini crib is a small version of regular sized cribs. It remains a crib and has no other forms. Non-convertible cribs can also fold for storage. Two-in-1 cribs are made to convert into a full-size bed with the proper railing system in order to grow with the child. The 4-in-1 is similar to the 2-In-1, but it can also be converted into a toddler bed and a day bed.

Definition of Limit

The weight limit for a mini crib is not standardized. It is specified by each manufacturer and labeled on the product box or the crib itself. The maximum weight capacity will vary depending on what company produced the crib. However, all cribs are subject to the same safety tests administered by the American Society of Testing Materials.

Testing

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The American Society of Testing Materials tests every type of crib that is manufactured. The test that most directly relates to the determination of weight capacity is the Mattress Support Vertical Impact Test. This consists of a 45-lb. weight that is repeatedly dropped from a height of 6 inches onto various places on the crib unit to simulate the everyday abuse that will be sustained. It tests the overall support system, including the joints.

Outgrowing The Mini Crib

According to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, when a child reaches a height of 35 inches, he has outgrown the mini crib. The average height and weight of a baby between 24 and 36 months is about 31 to 39 inches and 22 to 40 pounds. A baby of those heights can climb out of a crib and cause serious harm to herself. Since the stress test that is performed on the cribs uses a 45-lb. weight, it is far more critical to pay attention to the child's height than weight.