A properly constructed crib has: Less than 2.375 in. (60 mm) of space between slats. This prevents a child's head from becoming trapped. No cutout designs or spaces if there is an otherwise solid headboard or footboard. A child's head, hands, arms, or legs can get stuck. No corner posts. Clothing can attach to these posts and injure or strangle a child. Tight and secure screws, bolts, and other construction materials. Check these parts every week. A physically active child can loosen these parts, and the crib can collapse. Lead-free paint. Older cribs may have paint that has lead in it. Babies can get lead poisoning from chewing and gnawing on a crib with lead-based paint.
