More infants die every year in accidents involving cribs than with any other nursery product, and thousands of infants are injured seriously enough to require treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Find out what to look for in a new or used crib.

If You're Buying a New Full-Size Crib

1. Corner posts should not extend more than 1/16 inch (1 1/2 mm) above the top of the end panel. Corner posts can be catch points for items placed around a child's neck or clothing worn by the child.

2. Mattress support hangers should be secured by bolts or closed hooks. Tighten all crib hardware securely and check it frequently.

3. Bumper pads, if used, should (a) fit around the entire crib, (b) tie or snap into place, and (c) have straps or ties at least in each corner, in the middle of each long side, and on both the top and the bottom edges. To prevent your baby from becoming entangled in the ties, trim off excess length after tying. Use the bumpers until the baby can pull up to a standing position, then remove them so that the baby will not use them to try to climb out of the crib.

4. Remove and destroy all plastic wrapping materials. Never use plastic bags as mattress covers. The plastic film may cling to a baby's face and cause suffocation.