Generally they are rated for 20 lbs ....I had a dcg who at 16 months was still only 19 lbs so could have used it. So if the child is really tiny then whatever but if the child is average size then the parent is endangering the child and it doesn't encourage activity to burn off energy .... It's just sounds like the parent taking the lazy way out. as we all know most parents do whatever it takes to make sure they have a calm stress free evening after their long day at work ; )