As you have all the other rooms in the house, babyproof the nursery by studying it from an infant's point of view and implement the safety precautions already detailed in this section of HomeTips. Then you can turn your attention to the gear you will need upon baby's arrival.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal agency founded in 1973, regulates the manufacture of cribs and permanent and portable cribs, which means that any new one you buy should meet its safety regulations. However, the CPSC doesn't necessarily catch everything, and missing something like a defect in crib construction can turn out to be devastating.

Below are a few basics that you should be aware of:'

Crib specifications

A baby's bed serves as a cozy home for both sleep and play. By far the favorite bed for today's baby is the crib: It's convenient, practical, and comfortable up to the age of about 2 1/2. And, because it comes under federal safety regulations (which were first enacted in 1974), it is generally the safest baby bed.

Check that the crib you plan to use has the following safety features, particularly if it is second-hand or custom-made.

• Slats are spaced no wider apart than 2 3/8 inches. Some babies' bodies can slip between wider spaces.

• End panels (or headboards) don't have decorative cutouts that might entrap a baby's head or other body part.

• The distance from the mattress support in its lowest position to the top of the end panels or rails in their highest position is at least 26 inches to prevent baby from falling out. The minimum safe distance from the mattress support in its highest position to the top of the drop side in its lowest position is 9 inches.

• The crib has no corner posts, even if less than an inch high. These can catch on children's clothing or anything that might be around a child's neck.

• Interior dimensions are between 51 3/4 and 53 inches long and 27 3/8 and 28 5/8 inches wide.

• The mattress fits snugly and that no more than two fingers can fit between the crib and the mattress. (Babies have become trapped in these spaces, even suffocating as a result.)

• The latching mechanisms or locks that release the drop side are well out of baby's reach and require dual action for release, or at least 10 pounds of force.

• All hardware is free of sharp edges.

• Rails are supported properly at corner posts so they cannot drop or be pulled down. In this regard, please note that 1 million Simplicity cribs have been recalled because of faulty or improperly attached hardware (see photo below) and refer to this CPSC bulletin.

Safe crib use

Remove the plastic wrapping from the mattress and any other parts before use; tie the wrapping in knots and discard in the outdoor trash. Never use plastic bags as mattress covers because the clinging film can suffocate babies.

Always lock crib rails in their upright position when baby is in the crib and unattended.

Until baby can stand, line the crib interior with bumper pads that tie or snap in place in at least six places. When baby can stand, remove the pads so they can't be used for climbing out and lower the mattress to its lowest position. A child who is 35 inches tall should graduate to a low toddler's bed.

Other baby beds

Cradles, bassinets, and portable beds are alternatives to cribs for the first few months of life.

Cradles. Cradles are not completely regulated, so look for rockers that curve only slightly, making a gentle motion, and sides that are high enough to prevent baby from tumbling out. On a suspended cradle, check for a wide, sturdy base; secure pivoting hardware; and a design that lets you lock the cradle in a nonswinging position. No matter which design you choose, discontinue use of the cradle at 3 months or when your baby can raise up.

Wicker bassinets. Also not regulated completely, bassinets, like cradles, are safe to use only for newborns under 3 months. Make sure that the lining is securely attached and free of ribbons or buttons and that there are no loose, protruding reeds. If the bassinet is second-hand, look it over carefully, following the guidelines for second-hand cribs.

Portable cribs. Measure to make sure that the distance from the mattress support in its lowest position to the top of the side in its highest position is at least 22 inches. Make sure that any folding hardware locks securely and cannot collapse.

Keep in mind that a cradle, bassinet, or portable crib is not to be used for transporting a baby in the car. It is not a safe substitute for an up-to-date car seat.

Crib accessories

Keep the crib free and clear of long ribbons, cords, hanging toys, and mobiles. Industry standards recommend that all crib or playpen toys have strings no longer than 12 inches, as well as a label that cautions against use when a baby can push up on hands and knees.

Do not use pillows as they can suffocate a baby. Instead of using a pillow to prop a bottle at feeding time, instead, hold the baby and do the bottle-feeding yourself.

Pacifiers occasionally come apart or are small enough for a baby to choke on, so choose one with care. Discard a pacifier as soon as it looks worn. Never run a cord through or tie a pacifier around a baby's neck.

At the changing table

Perhaps sooner than you expect, your baby will suddenly turn over. To safeguard against a fall, the changing table needs fenced sides, as well as a safety strap. Even with these precautions, never leave your baby there unattended.

Keep sharp objects, small items, medications, powders, and creams well out of the baby's reach. Always close containers of powder after use: A cloud of fine dust could choke the baby or even cause pneumonia.

Put disposable and used diapers, as well as the diaper pail, where your child can't reach them. Some cake deodorants for the diaper pail are toxic. Look instead for diaper pails with childproof lids, as well as nontoxic deodorants.

TIP: Consider buying a simple intercom that lets you listen to baby during naptime and nighttime from elsewhere in the house.

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