By Mark Wright

New moms and dads like to fight cabin fever by bringing baby outside to frolic in some fresh air in good weather.

Before they do, however, it's probably best to first spend a little quality time out there in a lounge chair reading Debra Smiley Holtzman's eye-opening book—The Safe Baby: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety.

Herself a mother, former lawyer, and safety expert featured on Discovery Health Channel's Make Room for Baby program, Holtzman offers parents a practical and comprehensive collection of tips, insights and warnings.

Parents with cabin fever might want to fast-forward to chapter 6: Safety in the Backyard. As Holtzman asks, "If your child can't be safe in her own backyard, where can she be safe?"

That backyard might look like Eden to an adventurous youngster. Parents need to make sure it holds no hidden surprises that could spoil a sunny afternoon.

For example, advises Holtzman:

"Lock up or remove entrapment hazards, such as coolers and storage chests, and store all buckets upside down."

"Keep poisons, such as antifreeze and windshield-wiper fluid, locked away out of the sight and reach of children."

"Keep grass cut short, remove unwanted vegetation, and get rid of stagnant water around your home."

Speaking of unwanted vegetation, The Safe Baby includes in its appendix a list of common poisonous plants. Most people probably know a couple obvious culprits, like poison ivy and oleander. But what about, say, azalea, daffodil, iris, or morning glory?

Holtzman's list takes up two pages, yet—as she points out—it is not all inclusive. (Yikes!)

She recommends calling the Poison Hotline (800-222-1222) if there's any doubt about a plant's safety.

The Safe Baby is helpful reading in any season—and in any area of the home. Holtzman's room-to-room and inside-to-outside safety review takes parents on a baby's-eye tour of their own home. It's time well spent.

Sentient Publications (ISBN 1591810299; $14.95) Available at Amazon.com & other booksellers.

Mark Wright is a freelance writer based in Rockville, Maryland. Find details about his services at www.markwright.com. Copyright © 2005 by Mark Wright Communications LLC. All rights reserved.

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