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Buying a crib can cost a lot of money, but one thing is certain - your baby is priceless. There are plenty of high quality cribs available, where crib safety is an important feature. But there are also a number of crib safety measures you can take, just by using your common sense.

One of the biggest dangers is in using an old or antique crib. Beautiful to look at, they can be extremely dangerous to baby, and require some basic checks to ensure their safety. Firstly, check the gap between slats or in decorative cut-outs. These should always be a maximum of 2.48 inches, preferably smaller, or else baby's head can get stuck between them. You should also make sure the top side rails are at least 26 inches above the mattress. This means baby is unlikely to be able to climb out.

Also, with any crib, make sure you take into account baby's growth. Once your infant can stand up, adjust the mattress to its lowest level, if the base height is adjustable. Regularly check the height of your child against the side of the crib - if the of the rail is less than 3/4 of your child's height, then you need to move your child into a bed.

It's important to make sure the mattress fits snugly against the sides of the crib without any gap. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and the crib sides then the mattress is too small and crib safety is at risk. Buy a new mattress that fits the crib snugly. Also make sure you remove all plastic packaging. This includes mattress covers, dry cleaning bags and other packaging. The plastic can stick to baby's face and make it difficult to breathe.

Usually, place baby inside the crib on his back, with a firm mattress and no soft bedding underneath. Check to make sure the sides of the crib, whether fixed or adjustable, are secure. When purchasing a crib, make sure you either have to complete two different actions or exert considerable force to release the latch. If the latch is faulty or too easy to open, baby could drop the crib's side and potentially injure himself. Frequently cast an eye over the crib to check for broken pieces or any damage. Obviously any sharp edges or surfaces are dangerous and you shouldn't place baby in the crib until they're removed.

The contents of the crib also play a vital role in crib safety. Never leave baby unattended with pillows, large stuffed animals or toys. It's possible one of these could cause suffocation, or alternatively give baby enough lift to climb out of the crib. Also check for torn material in bedding. Never place the crib close enough to a window where drapery or cords could entangle him.

Finally, be aware of the possibility of lead poisoning. If you're using an old crib, strip back the paint and repaint it with non-toxic materials. Lead can be found in dust, soil, paint, furniture and even toys. So stay alert for any potential sources of lead in baby's environment.

Sometimes it can seem a lot of trouble to constantly be checking baby's crib for any crib safety risks, but it's better to take the time and be watchful, so that you can enjoy your happy and healthy baby.