Here are some records that all parents should keep readily available:

• Immunizations – You will need these records when it's time to register your child for school, sports teams or other activities. Note the date, year and type of vaccine, as well as any reactions your child experienced.
• Illnesses – "Keep track of any illness significant enough to warrant a doctor's visit," says Dr. Andrea McCoy, director of primary care at Temple University Children's Medical Center in Philadelphia. "This way, you can see if a pattern is developing."
• Medications – Record the names of any medications your child has taken, both temporarily and ongoing. Also, write down the dosage, any reactions your child may have had and the effectiveness of the medicine.
• Allergies – Include any allergies to foods, drugs, insect bites, etc. "Also note the type of allergic reaction your child has," says Dr. Sibley. "This information can be important for future precautions and treatments."
• Surgeries or Hospital Stays – Be sure to include any surgeries or hospital stays, along with the nature of the illness or injury. Where and by whom was Baby treated?
• Doctors' Names – Write down the names of any specialists your child sees, along with the dates seen and reasons for the visit.
• Injuries – Include any significant or recent injuries.
• Developmental Milestones – Record when your baby first starts babbling, rolling over, crawling and pulling herself up to standing. These can help your health care provider determine if development is occurring as expected.
• Dental History – Keep track of when – and in what order – teeth appear, any dental problems and visits to the dentist