As a parent and admitted neurotic, I find myself very dependent on safety products that promise to protect my children. Whether it's electric shock, choking, SIDS, ninja assassins... I'm afraid of it all. Being a geek parent in the 21st century means having access to numerous gadgets and gizmos to help combat the dangers that constantly surround your toddling spawn. I heartily recommend the following 10:



1. Angelcare Movement Sensor -

Granted, a paralyzing fear of SIDS isn't healthy, but the Angelcare Movement Sensor helps to calm even the most nervous first-time parent. This device fits under a baby's crib mattress and, should he/she ever stop moving (i.e., breathing) for longer than 20 seconds, an alarm will sound so you can rush to your child's aid.



2. Coast Innovations Itzbeen Baby Care Timer -

Too sleep-deprived to remember when you changed or fed baby last? With the press of a few buttons, this gadget keeps a schedule when you are too busy to watch the clock. The Baby Care Timer is also a great way to help other caregivers stay on top of your baby's routine.






3. Summer Infant Day & Night Video Monitor -

I'm the kind of mommy who doesn't want to just hear my baby when he/she stirs, I want to be able to look over at a monitor and make sure my baby is secure. Plus, it makes me feel like Scarface when I have cameras everywhere. This reasonably priced monitor has a clear picture and is easy to set up. It even has night vision, which only makes your baby look slightly ghoulish.




4. Twilight Turtle -

Is your toddler afraid of the dark? Don't buy a run-of-the-mill nightlight. Instead, try the Twilight Turtle. This cute little guy projects constellations around the room for your junior astronomer. It has also won a lot of awards, including the 2005 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, whatever that is.






5. Mommy's Helper Power Strip Safety -

If you're like me, then you have bulky, 1980's arcade games in your house that require surge protectors. If you're not like me, then you probably have respectable, adult things in your house. Still, I'll bet you need surge protectors for something! Keep your little one's fingers out of all those outlets with this awesome safety device.






6. DVD Player/Stereo Guard -

Has your son or daughter ever tried to feed your DVD player a sandwich? Heh, I'd sell my son to Gypsies if he tried that. Luckily, owning this device means that he'll never get the chance. Which is good, because he's going through a whiny stage and I don't think he'd fetch top dollar.





7. Mommy's Helper Lid-Lok -

Wow, they should put this picture of my son on the cover of this product's box. If only I had invested in a Mommy's Helper Lid-Lok sooner, my son would have never tried to flush himself down the toilet.







8. Dex Universal Safe Sleeper Bed Rail -

I think this is the best bed rail on the market right now. It fits any size bed and is extremely sturdy. My 2-year-old tosses and turns in his sleep, presumably troubled by the subprime mortgage crisis, and this safety rail keeps him from rolling off the bed.







9. Temperature Sensitive Faucet Light -

This amazing little gadget will hook onto your faucet and illuminate the water. When the water becomes too hot for little hands, it will turn red. When the water is cold, the light is blue. This also helps you find your way when it's dim in the house at night. You know, in case you're washing your hands compulsively in the dark. What, you don't do that?






10. Elephant Humidifier -

One of the safest, most natural ways to treat a child's cold is with a humidifier. Isn't this one adorable? It's fitting, too, because elephants humidify the air in the jungle. Pretty sure I read that somewhere...







If you know of any other safety gadgets for children, let me know in the comments below!