When setting up your crib, follow these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Make sure that your crib:

• Meets regulated, national safety standards (check packaging for details)

• Is firmly constructed (double-check all screws and bolts before use)

• Has slats that are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart

• Has a mattress that fits tightly in the crib frame (no more than one finger width of space between the mattress and the frame)

• Is comfy with a waterproof, flannel-backed mattress cover, and a tightly fitted sheet. Blankets should be tucked in around the crib mattress, and should not reach any higher than your baby's chest. To avoid the risk of overheating, try using sleep sacks or sleep clothing instead of a blanket.

• Is not overstuffed. Keep plush toys, comforters, pillows, and electric blankets out of the crib. They can cover your infant's face.

• Always has its sides up and locked

• Is placed away from windows and out of reach of drapery and window shade cords

• Has bumper pads (if you will use them) that are thin, firm, well secured, and not "pillow like"

Once your baby becomes mobile (at about 6 months), you'll want to be sure your whole house is as safe for your baby as his crib. Check to see that your home:

• Has a water heater set to 120°F or below

• Has shortened drapery and window blind cords

• Is nighttime safe, with plenty of night-lights installed in main rooms and hallways, all placed a few feet away from bedding and draperies for fire safety

• Has tightly fitting plastic outlet covers on all unused electrical outlets

It'll be awhile before your baby begins crawling (or taking those first steps). But while you're taking precautions for his newborn safety, why not continue through his first year? Here are your next steps:

• Crawl through your home on your hands and knees to see any dangers from his viewpoint.

• Be sure small objects, such as coins or buttons, are off the floor (you'll want to do this regularly).

• Place houseplants up and out of baby's reach.

• Secure soft padding around sharp, pointed edges of tables, cabinets, etc.

• Secure kitchen cabinet doors with latches.

• Clean out the area under your sink, and place any harmful cleaners or chemicals on the upper shelves of a cabinet or pantry.

• Invest in lid locks on all toilets to keep little hands out of the toilet bowl.

• When not in use, keep electrical items such as hair dryers and curling irons in a closed cabinet.

For a comprehensive, room-by-room list of child safety tips, visit ConsumerReports.org®.