More safety considerations:

Cribs with drop sides: The rule is simple – don’t use them. The movable railings known as drop sides were common on cribs for decades, but can pose a serious hazard to babies. If the drop side detaches or comes loose, a baby can become entrapped and strangle or suffocate in the space between the drop side and the crib mattress. Their sale has been banned since 2011.

Bumpers: Crib bumpers – cushioned padding that attaches to the inside railings of the crib – are sometimes still included in crib bedding sets, but a number of organizations, including the AAP, now discourage them as a SIDS hazard for babies.

Old cribs: Cribs made before 1974, when federal crib-safety standards went into effect, are more likely than newer models to have safety problems. Secondhand cribs may also have splinters, lead paint, discontinued (and potentially dangerous) features, or slats that are too far apart. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the size of a soda can) to prevent a baby’s head from getting suck. Posts on a crib should no higher than 1/16 of an inch (unless they’re over 16 inches high to support a canopy); otherwise, clothing can catch on them and injure or choke an infant. Even models manufactured as recently as 1991 can be unsafe, so if you’re borrowing a crib or buying a used one, look out for these dangers as well as for sharp edges, protruding metal, anything that can be broken off and choked on, peeling paint, and cutouts along the rail that can trap your baby’s arm or neck. Check the product recalls from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure it hasn’t been recalled.

Safety limits: Crib manufacturers recommend discontinuing use (or converting to the product’s next stage, for convertible cribs) when your child reaches a particular height, weight, or developmental stage. Height/weight limits are generally much lower on portable or mini-cribs. Read your product manual carefully and follow recommendations.

Safe sleep recommendations: Get tips about crib bedding and sleep position to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS.

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What it’s going to cost you

Full-sized cribs, including convertibles, range from $110 to $800. Portable and mini-cribs cost between $100 and $400. Fancier cribs can run $800 to $1,000 or much more.