How to Buy a Good Crib

Shop for new cribs. Cribs sold beginning June 28, 2011, must comply with federal safety standards. Cribs manufactured before that time may have faulty hardware, lead-based paint or may have been subject to safety recalls. By purchasing a new crib, you can be sure it has updated features.

Take measurements. Make sure the space between the crib's slats is no more than 2 3/8 inches wide. Crib posts should be even with or no more than 1/16 of an inch higher than the end panel, and the crib's top rails should be at least 26 inches higher than the top of the mattress frame at its lowest position when the rails are raised. These measurements help ensure your baby will not get her head or extremities stuck between slats or climb out.

Look for potential dangers. While decorative cutouts may be pretty, they can also be dangerous if your baby were to stick his head, arm or leg through them or use them as a means of climbing up and out of his crib.

Size up the mattress. Make sure there is no more than a 1 1/4-inch gap between the mattress and the crib. You should not be able to fit more than two fingers in that gap. In addition, the mattress should be no more than six inches thick. Choose a firm crib mattress, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has associated soft mattresses with sudden infant death syndrome.

Inspect the hardware. According to safety standards set in 2011, drop sides should require two separate actions to release them, such as pushing in latches and pressing down on the railing, to prevent babies from opening them. Check for damaged or missing hardware pieces, as well.

Minimize bedding and accessories. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends leaving bumper pads, pillows and toys out of infant cribs, as they may present suffocation, strangulation or entrapment hazards.