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If your baby is less than a year old then it is very necessary that you take note of the guidelines that follow in order to safeguard the baby. But even if the baby is older than a year, it is still important to consider these guidelines.

You need to ensure that you have the correct mattress for your crib. Substituting the wrong mattress is never an option. The correct mattress must fit firmly inside the crib with absolutely no gaps around the edges or corners.

A gap between the mattress and crib side is a dangerous place where your baby could get stuck. If the used crib you are buying does not come with a mattress then do not buy it until you know for sure that you can find a mattress that will fit in it properly.

On the other hand, the used crib you are considering might have a mattress. If so, check that it fits properly with no gaps. Also, if you are going to use a bottom sheet, make certain that it fits the mattress tightly and is meant to be used in a baby's crib.

Once you have checked the mattress properly it is time to turn your attention to the crib itself. Make sure that there are no missing screws and that it is well made and sturdy. The corner posts must not be longer than 1/16th of an inch, otherwise there is a risk of the baby's clothes getting caught on them.

Note the measurements between the slats and ensure that there are no gaps larger than 2 3/8 inches. This is about the same size as a soda can. Each slat should be firmly in place and there should be no missing or broken slats. Be sure to check each one individually. Gaps of a different size between slats could introduce the possibility of your baby getting stuck.

Some cribs have shapes cut out at the top and bottom, on the head and foot boards. These can be both attractive and appealing but nevertheless should be avoided. If the cut outs are large enough, your baby's head or foot could easily become stuck.

The crib you are considering might have attached mesh. In order to ensure that your baby's clothes do not get stuck, the holes in the mesh should not exceed a quarter of an inch. Also, it is important that there are no tears and that it is securely attached to the crib with no pieces jutting out.

The above mentioned guidelines are the same ones that the government stipulates should be met. Chances are you are not considering buying a particularly old crib and so you will probably find that many of the ones you view will actually meet these requirements. It is important that you are able to make an informed decision so that your baby will not be placed inadvertently in harm's way.

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