Make sure your place has a deadbolt.

Try for a second floor apartment... harder to break in through windows/patios etc.

Ask if you can install an alarm system.

Alternately, get a dog. One that is big and scary LOOKING while being a sweetie

I lived alone, with my kids for about 8 years. My thing, first and foremost, was to be armed most times. (I know a lot of people are not comfortable with that). It is a GIANT responsibility.

If that is not your thing...take a self defense course. It will teach you the basics and how to be more aware of what is going on around you.

Call the local PD - ask them which apartments have the least amount of calls come in (they will be the most expensive. It will be hard to get a dog and a second floor patio with a baby because you can't take the baby and dog for a walk at the same time. Alarm systems are good. Also, get to know your good neighbors. They will look out for you.

I did live alone and it was fine. It was a nice, albeit too short, part of my life. You get decorate how you want, eat what you want, watch what you want and do what you want! You will love it. I'm glad you get temporary custody! Good for you. You're making the right decisions and don't be too scared. You'll be okay.

^^^All of the above^^^

Always be aware of your surroundings.

If your gut is telling you something isn't right, learn to trust it!

Make sure the lighting around your new home is adequate.

Keep your cell phone charged and near you, especially at bedtime.

Get to know your neighbors. Trust me, you'll figure out the skeevy ones pretty quickly.

If you want to keep the baby in your room with you initially, go ahead. I'm sure that once you feel more comfortable, you'll be OK putting her in her own room with a baby monitor.

Yes, you will have to furnish him the new address unless there is an RO in place. If so, check with your lawyer to find out how much information you'll need to share with STBXH.

It will feel weird for a while but trust me you will get used to it. I went from living at home with parents to getting married to a very controlling man. By the time I had the strength to leave I was 28 with the street smarts of a 12yr old!!! I had no idea about money, utilitys or any of that stuff cos I was kept under lock and key for best part of 10yrs. (not literally, just mind games, mental manipulation). He broke me, but I built myself up from scratch, built a life for me and my son and by the time a yr had gone by I was Erin Brocovich!!!! U will learn to love ur own space just give it time. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Just dont get mixed up with another step family if you can help it!!!

They have all given you the same advice I would do. As far as telling DH where you live, I would. Because when you go to court over custody, you will look like you never wanted DH out of the baby's life.

Yup. I lived alone in suburbia where my neighbors would not be able to hear me scream for about four years.

Alarm system.

Knife behind bedpost.

Bedroom door locked at night.

Aluminum bat/golf club next to bed.

Books of self defense (general common sense stuff that occasionally should be reviewed.)

I've lived alone and still do, for awhile now. Everyone above has given great advice. When I was in apartments, I was always on the 2nd floor, slept with my door locked, knife under my pillow, baseball bat in the corner. Phone always beside the bed. It's an adjustment. I have since lived in two houses alone, but I got a dog less then a week after I got the first house. His bark alone is a deterrent. He's big, awesome with kids, looks like a marshmallow, but has and will defend me if he thinks I'm threatened. (although a big dog is hard in an apartment)

If your apartment complex doesn't come with an alarm system, you can always buy one and install yourself. Simplisafe offers one that you can install yourself, no contract, and it goes with you when you move. http://simplisafe.com/ You can have it monitored or not.

I always talked to my neighbors in the houses, not so much in the apartments. I also usually checked out the police log so I knew if something was going on in my area.

I have a neighbor who is a single female.

And her brother gave her a pair of his old work boots. At night the old work boots are outside her front door. She brings them inside during the 'work day'. Any casual criminal looking for an easy house to rob will see the boots and think there is a man in the house.

No it wont STOP a determined person from breaking in but it is a deterrant for the casual crook/lazy out of shape one, who does not want to have to fight off a large male.