In addition to cribs some other pieces of baby equipment have safety concerns you should look out for. Remember to periodically check all your baby gear for wear and tear, loose pieces, and chipped paint.

Gates and Enclosures

Until babies are old enough to do more exploring on their own, gates are a good way to keep little ones out of areas that aren't childproofed. Openings in gates should be small enough to avoid entrapping baby's head, with a pressure bar or other fastener that can resist forces exerted by a determined “explorer.” To avoid splinters, use plastic-molded gates or expandable enclosures with large v-shaped openings along the top edge or with diamond-shaped openings within.

High Chairs

Baby's high chair should have waist and crotch restraining straps that are independent of the tray, which should lock securely. The clasp on the waist strap should also be easy to use. A good high chair has a wide stable base, with caps or plugs on the tubing firmly attached. If you have a folding high chair, it should have an effective locking device to keep it from collapsing. Always use restraining straps; otherwise the child can slide under the tray and strangle or fall onto the floor below.

Hook-On Chairs

Hook-on chairs are great for visits to grandma's or a dinner out with family and friends. Just make sure yours has a restraining strap to secure baby, along with a clamp that locks properly onto the table for added security. The caps or plugs on the tubing should be firmly attached and unable to be pulled off by curious little hands, since they may be a choking hazard. Don't position the chair anywhere the child can push off with his feet — and, of course, never leave your baby unattended in a hook-on chair.

Pacifiers

Pacifiers are great for babies who love to suck on things. But they can also present opportunities for danger. To prevent accidental strangulation, leave off any attachable ribbons until baby is at least six months old. The shield of the pacifier should be large and firm enough to not fit completely into the child's mouth, with ventilation holes so the baby can still breathe freely when it's in her mouth. Throw away any pacifiers whose nipples have holes or tears that might break off into baby's mouth.

Playpens

Most playpens today are the pop-up variety and don't allow one side to be open. But if you're using a hand-me-down, be sure the mesh has no tears, holes, or loose threads. It should be securely attached to the top rail and the floor plate, and the top rail cover shouldn't have any tears or holes. If there's a thin mattress, be sure it's secure; even a very young infant can roll under the mattress and suffocate.

Rattles, Squeeze Toys, Teethers

Rattles, squeeze toys, and teethers should be large enough so that they can't lodge in a baby's throat. Rattles need to be sturdy enough to prevent breakage during use. Squeeze toys shouldn't contain a detachable squeaker, since these can sometimes be squeezed out of the toy and lead to choking. To prevent suffocation, always remove rattles, squeeze toys, teethers, and other toys from cribs or playpens — especially when baby is sleeping or unattended.

Strollers and Carriages

A stroller can be a fantastic way to get baby out and about in the world — just be sure yours secures correctly so that it doesn't collapse on baby when you least expect it. The seat belt and crotch strap should attach securely to the frame, with an easy-to-use seat belt buckle. Be sure the brakes securely lock the wheels. Always secure the seat belts, and never take a baby in a stroller on an escalator. Keep baby's hands away from pinching areas when the stroller is being folded or unfolded or the seat back is being lowered. If you're using an heirloom baby carriage, be sure the brakes work and that the mattress can't be pulled over baby's head.

Toy Chests

Toy chests offer the best opportunity to keep the floor clean in baby's play room — and eliminating opportunities for falls is a good safety precaution. But make sure the lid can't trap your baby, and that any hinged lids can't pinch baby's tiny fingers. The best toy chests for a baby's room are the plastic-molded ones.

Toy boxes should be checked for safety. Use a toy chest with a lid that will stay open in any position when raised, and that won't fall unexpectedly on a child. For extra safety, be sure there are ventilation holes for fresh air. Watch for sharp edges that could cut, and hinges that could pinch or squeeze.