As your baby grows and before she gets more mobile, you'll need to update your
babyproofing arsenal with outlet covers, safety gates and more. 
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Baby's First Bath
To make your baby's first bath and every bath safe:
- Set the temperature on your water heater's thermostat below 120 F. A baby's skin is much thinner than adult skin. (It takes just three seconds for a baby to sustain a third-degree burn from water at 140 F.) If you don't have control over your water heater, always check water temperature below the tap with a bath thermometer or a meat thermometer; between 90 F and 100 F is comfortable.
- Rethink bath rings and other propping devices. You shouldn't use these until your baby can sit up on her own anyway, and some experts advise against ever using them. "They can give false security that mom could turn her back for a moment," says Appy.
- Stay beside your baby at all times. "Whenever you're near water with your child, you need what we call 'touch supervision,' and nothing else will substitute," says Appy. "Anything you need to get out of reach of the tub, take the baby with you." Older siblings or cousins can't be counted on to watch a baby while you step away. Says Appy: "There's no delegating that particular responsibility."
Have a Seat
Besides sitting in the car, your baby may be "sitting" in several other places as
well, from swings to bouncer seats. Follow these precautions.
- Always use safety harnesses and straps. There will be times it will hardly seem worth the trouble of strapping a baby into her stroller or car seat (if you're walking a short distance, for instance). But molehills really are mountains to tiny bodies, and babies shift in their seats very easily. (One mom still remembers her disbelief when she saw her 1-week-old baby lying in the sand after she hit a mild bump on a boardwalk with her stroller.) Minimize the discomfort and potential danger of curbs and uneven sidewalks by keeping baby secure in her seat with the straps done. Use the straps on your baby's bouncer, as well, to keep her securely in her seat.
- Never place your baby on an elevated surface. This seems obvious, but everywhere you look, there they are: babies perched in car or bouncer seats on checkout counters, tables, beds, or even on reception desks in doctors' offices. Even very young babies can suddenly lean forward or sideways and tip over a seat and topple to the floor.
- Don't leave a baby unattended in a swing, stroller, seat or other contraption.
Traveling With Baby
"When you're staying at a hotel or someone else's home, or when you drop your
baby off at Grandma's, you have to go through your safety checklist all over
again," says Appy. Some things to keep in mind:
- If you're flying, buy your baby her own airplane seat if possible. Most airlines let children under 2 fly free, and if you're lucky enough to be on an empty flight, you might even score a free seat. However, seriously consider buying your baby her own seat - many airlines will sell you a ticket for half price. If you encounter turbulence, you'll have a safer place for your baby to ride.
- Can you trust that a hotel's portable cribs will be safe? "Unfortunately, no," says Appy. "Ask lots of questions ahead of your trip, but if in doubt and when possible, bring your own portable crib or playpen."
- "Parents, especially first-time moms and dads, worry about everything, and that's not a bad thing when it comes to safety," adds Appy. "If they do what they need to do, they can just relax and enjoy the baby."
Gail O'Connor is a New York City-based freelance writer who recently learned
firsthand about babyproofing from her 22-month-old son, Declan.
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Baby Checklist