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.