Sounds like jodie answered Q3, and I don't know about Q1 (ask your doc.), but I can help with Q2... I've been told by midwives and my OB that up to 15kg is ok as long as you lift carefully and use your legs not just your back. Hold your pelvic floor up as you lift anything too! My DS is 15 kg and I still lift him and out of his cot and the car.