Crib accidents have seriously injured and even killed babies. Look for these things when shopping for cribs:

• Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, so baby can't wiggle through, become trapped and choke.
• If the paint contains lead, strip and repaint the crib. Cribs manufactured after 1977 are not painted with lead paint.
• Be sure there are no sharp metal edges or splinters.
• Crib sides should be high enough so baby can't fall or roll out, even when the sides are down.
• The manufacturer's name and the crib's model or code number should be permanently labeled on the crib in case there is a recall.
• The mattress should fit tightly against all four sides of the crib. If you can fit two or more fingers between the mattress and the sides, get a better-fitting mattress.
• Bumper pads should be tied in place with six or more straps. Baby doesn't need a pillow; it could cause choking.
• Don't buy a used crib with plastic latches holding up the mattress. If a latch breaks, one corner can slip down and baby can get his head caught under the side.
• Don't buy a used crib with decorative cutouts in the ends. Remove corner posts that stick up more than half an inch above the crib's sides. A baby can get his neck or clothing caught and choke. See the drawing below.

Authors: Dave Riley and Dorian Schatell at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin