Your crib mattress should fit snug in the crib. No more than two fingers should fit between the mattress and the side of the crib. And make sure your crib sheets are snug as well. Gerber crib sheets are made to fit perfectly on a standard crib mattress to prevent pulling off.

To prevent strangling, remove the hanging mobile and toys, and anything else that hangs down near the crib as baby gets older and is able to move around.

Keep more than the nursery's design in mind when deciding where to put the crib. Place the crib away from heaters, windows, lamps, cords, and wall decorations (that could fall into the crib).

Cut off the pull cords of window blinds or use cord shorteners, safety tassels, or wind-ups.

Keep pillows, blankets and soft toys out of baby's crib.

Make sure there's a smoke detector near baby's room, and change the battery at least once a year.