Back to the Basics: Crib Safety First  

Everyone wants the world's cutest crib but safety has to come first. The mattress pad should be very firm and it should fit tightly into the crib so there is no way your baby, who, remember, will be much smarter and more active six months from now, can pull it up.
Babies love to make spaces between the mattress and the crib and then wedge their heads or feet in there. Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet but no top sheet. Likewise, keep blankets to a minimum.
Our understanding of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death in infants over a month old, is incomplete, but excess blankets, clothes etc in the crib are a factor. (They may wind up covering a baby's head and affecting breathing.) Crib bumpers, which prevent baby from banging her head on crib bars, should be tight and tied on the outside. Baby bedding, crib bedding and nursery bedding patterns and styles should be simple and soothing. An infant won't be able to take in complicated visuals but will be delighted by basic patterns with simple contrasts.