Health Tip: Choosing a Crib

(HealthDay News) -- Choosing a crib for your baby isn''t child''s play.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions for choosing a crib that will keep your infant safe:

• While antique cribs may be appealing, they may be dangerous and shouldn''t be used. Especially dangerous are old cribs that have cutouts, posts in the corners, or may be covered with lead paint.
• Slats on the crib should be no further apart than 2 3/8 inches from each other.
• The posts at the corners should be about the same height as the end panels on the crib -- no more than 1/16 of an inch higher.
• Avoid any decorative cutouts, in which your baby''s head or limbs could get stuck.
• The crib side rails, in the raised position, should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress support at its lowest position.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Dec. 31, 2008

Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.