MCT Photo Illustration

While some European imports can cost $500 or more, basic cribs like this generally are the safest. That's because infants can strangle if their clothing gets caught in the detail work that defines many high-end models. When choosing from the vast array of cribs, deciding the number of drop sides that the bed will have can make the decision easier. Choosing features - including mattress supports, sides and railings, and wheels and casters - also can narrow the choices.

Of all the items on your baby-shopping list, a crib probably will be among the most challenging to select. There's a vast array of cribs on the market, ranging from economy and midpriced models to high-end cribs with hand-painted details and European influences.

"Consumer Reports' Best Baby Products" (Ninth Edition) offers useful tips to help you find a durable and safe crib that matches your taste and budget.

Crib notes

While you may be tempted to buy the showiest crib available, Consumer Reports advises that you stick with a basic model: It's basically safer and will save you money.

One of the first things to consider when buying a new crib is the number of drop sides. Determine if you prefer a model with both sides that drop, one side that drops or a model with stationary sides. Your decision will narrow the selection and make shopping easier.

Stationary-sided cribs are the most stable and have less hardware, but if you are not tall it can be hard to get your baby.

In the store, use the mattress' lowest setting to see how easy it is to bend in and pick up your baby.

By law, a mattress used in a full-sized crib must be at least 27-1/4 inches by 51-5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick. If you can place more than two fingers between the mattress and crib frame, the fit isn't snug enough.

Your new crib should conform to the latest federal and industry guidelines. Check for certification by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (look for the JPMA sticker on the crib or packaging) or by ASTM International (it should meet voluntary standards ASTM F-1169 and ASTM F-966).

Features to sleep on

Once you've narrowed your choices, use crib features to weed out contenders. Here are some of the more important ones:

l Mattress supports. Most mattress supports consist of a metal frame with springs. In some cribs, the mattress support is a one-piece board; in others, it's a grid with wood slats. Mattress supports need to be held securely in place so they aren't dislodged when you're changing a crib sheet or when another child or a large pet pushes up from underneath.

l Sides and railings. Crib sides are constructed by fitting bars (or spindles or slats) into holes in the top and bottom rails, then securing each bar with glue and one or two small metal rods. A mandatory safety standard requires that crib slats be no more than 2-3/8 inches apart, so slat spacing shouldn't be an issue. Still, be on the lookout for safety hazards. Take a soda can along with you when you shop. If you can pass the can between the slats, they're too far apart. Corner posts or finials should be no higher than 1/16 inches.

l Wheels/casters. Not all models come with these, which may not be an issue if your crib won't leave the nursery. If a wheeled model will be on bare wood or tiled floors, make sure the wheels lock to prevent the crib from sliding across the room.

If new won't do

Consumer Reports advises against buying or accepting a used crib, but if new won't do, avoid models built before 2000 - about a year after the latest voluntary standard for slat-attachment strength took effect. By law, the manufacture date must be printed on the crib label.

- Visit the Consumer Reports Web site at www.consumerreports.org.