hyphen or no?

[Sandra Smith]

Listmates: some consultation please. It is easy to get carried away with
hyphenation. I know the general rule is to hyphenate two words used together
to mean something new. And often the convention does not follow the rule, or
the hyphen just adds another mark on the page without clarifying the
meaning. I've thought about this too much today and would appreciate some
fresh thinking.  Please check your choices below. Comments appreciated. To
keep from filling up the emails, respond to me privately and I will
summarize for the list. Many thanks ahead! SS

[ ] .baby proof your home
[ ] baby-proof your home

[ ]   Your home is now baby safe
[ ]   You home is now baby-safe

[ ]  well baby checkup
[ ]  well-baby  checkup

[ ]  gaining self control
[ ]  gaining self-control
[ ]  gaining selfcontrol

[ ] practicing good self care
[ ] pracitcing good self-care
[ ] practicing good selfcare

[ ]  potty sitting practice
[ ] potting-sitting practice

[ ]  infection fighters
[ ] infection-fighters

[ ] double check the lock
[ ] double-check the lock

[ ] we are caregivers
[ ] we are care-givers
[ ] we are care givers.

THANKS.
Sandra Smith, MPH, CHES
Health Education Specialist
University of Washington
Center for Health Ed.& Research
Clinical Instructor,Health Services
Editor,Beginnings: A Practical Guide through Pregnancy
& Beginnings Parent's Guide
Editor, http://www.PrenatalEd.com
Fellow, National Center for Infants, Toddlers & Children
Mailing Address:
2821 2nd Ave #1601
Seattle WA 98121
206-441-7046
FAX 728-1926
sandras at u.washington.edu