If you have a baby or plan to have one, where you lay him or her down to sleep is a pretty important piece of furniture. Last year when we heard about one of the biggest names in cribs initiating one of the world’s biggest crib recalls, it was unnerving to say the least.

Both of us had drop-side cribs for our first children and feel very blessed that nothing terrible happened to our babies. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website:

“The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break, deform, or parts can become missing. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.”

>Click here to learn more about the Stork Craft crib recalls that took place in November 2009.

Watch this video that shows how babies may get stuck and suffocate if the drop side is not properly installed:

Parents should consult the US Consumer Product Safety Commission or Health Canada Consumer Product Safety before purchasing a crib, even if someone is giving you a hand-me-down, a free crib that’s been recalled isn’t going to help anyone sleep at night. You should also review this extensive list of crib recalls that have taken place since 2007 If you do some digging and discover your crib on a recall list, we believe it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cribs aren’t that expensive when you consider what’s at stake.

For style, safety rating and price, we love the Graco Tucson Convertible Crib.

More tips about buying the right crib .