The Baby Crib

Camping is probably one of the best ways for you to bond with members of your family. There are however a couple of camping items you need to keep in mind if you have a baby in the family.

Safe baby camping equipment should always be your main concern when you have a baby in camp.

Don’t Forget the Basics

Common sense should tell you that aside from your long list of camping necessities for the whole family, you also need to prepare a list for your baby. It would help to start making your list a few days in advance beginning with the items you need the most. The basic things you should bring include distilled water, insect repellant, sunscreen, diapers, wet wipes, blankets, extra clothes and a baby carrier.

If you are not breastfeeding, you should consider bringing pre mixed baby formula instead of powder so you don’t have to worry about where you can get clean water in case you run out of supplies. You should also have a special first aid kit for your baby. Include in it your baby’s thermometer and cough, colds and fever medication.

Other Things to Bring Along

Aside from the basic items, there are also a couple of optional items that you may bring along to ensure your baby’s safety.

· A portable play pen can keep your baby sufficiently entertained and out of harm’s way while you are busy with camp duties. A play pen would also limit the amount of dirt your baby gets in her mouth or body. You can install a makeshift mosquito net over the pen to keep insects away.

· Some parents prefer a portable crib over a play pen because it can be more comfortable for a baby to sleep on. Just make sure that you choose a crib that has all around breathable net sides. Choose a crib too that has horizontal bars that do not collapse in an inward V shape but instead collapse only after being pulled up. This is a necessary portable crib safety feature to prevent baby injury.

· If you want to give your baby a little more outdoor freedom, you can spread a light colored canvas cloth on the ground for your baby to play around on. This will keep him clean and make you able to easily spot bugs or tiny choking hazards.

· A battery operated baby monitor will be extra helpful for you in case your baby falls asleep during the day and you can’t stay beside him.

· A front pack carrier will allow you to keep your child in front of you as you move around. A front carrier is often safer than a back carrier since it will always keep you aware of what your baby is doing and will help you estimate your movements to prevent injury to your baby.

· A stroller will ensure that your baby will also be able to safely enjoy camp fire talk and activities at night.

· Be sure to bring a bottle of hand sanitizer if you are not sure that you can get clean water for your hands. Always sanitize before feeding your baby.

Poison prevention should be the concern of everyone at home especially since poisoning is considered the 2nd leading cause of accidental death in the home. It becomes even more important however when there is a baby at home.

Poison Education

A baby becomes especially prone to the danger of poisoning when it starts to crawl. Naturally, you would want to keep your baby safe in a crib or playpen but accidents can still happen if your baby manages to crawl out. You would also want to give your child an occasional and safe run of the house for a little play variety.

Poison can be anything that can be taken orally, inhaled or put on the skin or eyes and cause damage to parts of the body. Begin educating your crawler even before he reaches the toddler stage by firmly telling him where he is or is not allowed and which substances are bad.

Post Numbers

Know the numbers of your hospital, gas company and all other emergency facilities by heart. You should however also put them in writing and position the numbers near the telephone. Inform all the house occupants and your baby sitter about the numbers and who to contact in case of poisoning.

Gas Checks

If you are using gas powered equipment, always ask technicians to check fireplaces, stoves, heaters and all other related equipment at least once a year for leaks and damages. It would also help however to have gas or CO detectors installed near the nursery and other rooms the whole year round. Inform house occupants of the sound a detector makes in case of elevated CO levels. If you smell gas, simply turn off all gas powered equipment, leave the house and call a technician.

Secure Poisonous Items

Cleaning agents, bath items and cosmetics are all poisonous. Never leave any of these items on floors especially when your attention is called away by the ringing phone or the door bell. Keep these items away from food storage cabinets and do not transfer poisonous substances in old baby food containers. Keep baby safety caps on and keep them under lock and key or in cabinets with baby safety latches. It would also help not to remove original labels. Most cleaning agent labels will give you first aid tips on what to do in case of accidental ingestion and the doctor may need the labels to treat poisoning.

Clear Your Pockets

Babies do not just get attracted by shiny keys and coins in your pockets and purses. Medicines may also look like something nice to put in their mouths. Put safety caps on all bottled medicines and remove them from your pockets and purses. Secure all medications and related equipment in locked or latched drawers and cabinets. Immediately dispose of expired medication.

Garage Chemicals

Pesticides, fuels and garden products should be kept under lock and key in overhead cabinets in the garage. If you have been using a chemical extensively, change your foot wear before getting back into the house. Close and store products immediately after using and clean up any accidental spills right away.

Plant Watch

Some indoor plants can be either poisonous or can be choking hazards for your baby. Either keep your house plant free or hang plants out of reach instead.