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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. (Check
homesafetycouncil.org for more information on babyproofing.) In the meantime,
here are just a few smart items to have around the house.
- Bath thermometer: This inexpensive item - available in cute ducky designs - offers
peace of mind that the bath water temperature is just right.
- A "small-parts tester": Also called a "choke tube," this cylinder, available at
major baby department stores, allows you to test whether an item is too small and
a potential choking hazard for baby. A toilet paper roll is a good substitute,
says Appy.
- An extra baby carrier: Register for a second, inexpensive carrier (and learn how
to use it), and keep it in your baby's room in case of fire. "You'll keep your
hands free to exit and open doors," says Appy.
- An emergency ladder: How many escape routes are there out of your home in case
of fire? You may have only two minutes from the time you hear a smoke alarm to
escape, says Appy (which is why it's important to discuss an emergency exit plan
with your partner now). Buy a fold-up emergency ladder at a hardware store; keep
it in your child's bedroom and make sure anyone in your home will know where to
find it, and learn how to deploy it.
- A list of emergency numbers: Besides poison control and the fire department,
include your work number, cell phone number and numbers for your pediatrician and
the nearest hospital. Keep them posted in a prominent place (like the
refrigerator) for any of your baby's other caretakers to see.
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Baby Checklist