Medical histories
The other most important thing you can put in the safety box is your child's medical history, including their immunization records.

If available, make a copy of your child's medical records. Some doctor's offices charge a copying fee. Pay it because it's worth every penny. Especially if your child is moving across the nation and will need to provide their new doctor with previous medical records.

Did your child have any food allergies that you think he/she may have outgrown? Don't forget to mention them in the list.

You should also take some time and use the following example to give other medical information you may not realize is important.Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. Put your name on one side and the name of your child's other parent on the other side. Make sure to include a maiden name and/or other married names. Write down the date of birth, including year and where each person was born. Then, write down all siblings and parents, indicating age and whether they are living or deceased. Once you've gathered that information you are ready to put the chart to work.

Name Relation Date of birth Where born Living/Deceased Medical
Facts
Mother
Father
Aunt/father
Aunt/mother
Uncle/father
Uncle/mother
Grandmother/mother
Grandfather/mother
Grandmother/father
Grandmother/father
Sister
Brother

Does heart disease run on your father's side but only in the men? Make sure you put that in the chart. Do some women on your mother's side have breast cancer? Make sure that is indicated on the chart as well.

Now is not the time to be shy or embarrassed about any illnesses or other medical situations. Has someone in your family miscarried several times? Write that information in the chart. A grandparent suffers from dementia but you're embarrassed? Don't leave it out. It's important.

Other important information for the leaving child that is often overlooked by parents is their life history. You know what I'm talking about. All the stuff you regale at family get-togethers or swap stories with your friends. That information could be important to the doctor treating your son or daughter. Go into as much detail as possible about your son/daughter's history. Especially about things that happened to them when they were very young and may not remember.

Birth details such as type of birth (natural, cesarean, induced, etc) and unusual birth circumstances such as jaundice, cord around neck, before due date, after due date, etc. can be invaluable to a physician.

You may not realize this, but even knowing whether your child was breast or bottle-fed and for how long could be important. Make sure you indicate which in your child's history. Make sure you write down when your child started walking and if there were difficulties. My second daughter was pigeon-toed when she first started and needed correction.

When was your child potty-trained? Put that on the list too. Were there any special circumstances that occurred such as the training occurring earlier or later than other children? Make sure you note that too. Sometimes, this information could be important to a psychologist. When did your child start talking? Put it on the list. This information too, could be useful to a psychologist.

Reveal your past
Do you, your spouse, or your child have any allergies to food, medications, or the environment? Don't just include prescription allergies, but non-prescription as well. Some people are allergic to decongestants. Make sure that information goes on the list too.

Did anyone in your family have a problem with general anesthesia while having surgery? Make sure you indicate who and when on the list. That problem may indicate a sensitivity to certain anesthesia which can run in the family.

For women, let your daughters know about your past pregnancies and miscarriages. Now is not the time for secrets. Hiding something may put your daughter's or future grandchild's life in danger.

For men, let your sons know about any prostrate issues or testicular cancer that have occurred in your family. Don't let your son figure this out for himself. It may be too late.

One more tip
Put your contact information on a small card for your son/daughter to carry in their wallet. It'll be readily accessible for emergency personnel.

This could be the most important favor you ever do for your child when they leave home. Do it now, while it's still fresh in your mind.