Don't forget to make time for a romantic rendezvous with your husband after the new baby comes.

While pregnant, don't go for a sauna because it could harm the baby.

When speaking to an infant, look her right in the face and speak clearly so she can learn new words.

Build a fun story time into your baby's schedule every day to build language skills.

Don't let your baby play with balloons or plastic bags -- they could be a choking hazard.

Look for a toy chest without a lid that could slam down on tiny fingers.

Never leave a child alone in a car.

Keep plastic bags, balloons, and baby powder out of reach.

Ask your doctor or nurse for ideas about how to keep your baby alert during the day so he'll sleep better at night.

To be on the safe side, remove all pillows and blankets when your baby is sleeping in her crib.

Keep a diary about your pregnancy and your baby's birth and read it to your child when he gets older.

Consider donating your newborn's umbilical cord blood to save another child's life. Ask your doctor for details.

Try to paint the nursery before you conceive to avoid any exposure to lead paint chips.

Keep a photo album of aunts and uncles who live far away so your baby will remember their faces.

Put a few layers of crib sheets and waterproof pads on your baby's crib for quick changes and cleanups.

Bring something loose to wear home from the hospital after you have your baby, because you won't be able to fit into your old jeans quite yet.

If possible, try to eat something before you get to the hospital to deliver your baby. Otherwise, if you have any type of anesthesia, you may not be allowed to eat again for several hours.

It is never too early to use the word "no." But be consistent!

Buy a car seat in advance. Most hospitals won't let you leave with a new baby unless you can prove you own one.

When a child has a fever, dress him or her comfortably. Do not overdress.

For a more pleasant dining experience, order your food right before you are leaving for the restaurant. This way when you arrive, your baby won't get antsy having to be seated for too long.

Consider inviting a professional photographer to the hospital when your child is born.

Record yourself speaking or singing to your baby so the next time you have to leave her she'll have your voice to calm her if she gets fussy.

To help your baby sleep at night, give her a warm, soothing bath just before bedtime.

Don't put too many large toys in the playpen with an older baby who can pull herself up. She might use these to climb out.

When playing with your baby, never throw or shake her too roughly so that her head snaps back and forth. Instead, gently roll around on a rug or blanket and play peekaboo or tickle games.

Limit your crawler to one or two rooms of the house (e.g., her bedroom and the den) where you know she can explore safely.

Praise for good actions is more effective than punishment for wrongdoing. Constantly yelling at and telling your children what they shouldn't do soon becomes ineffective. They stop listening to you!

When giving your baby a massage, keep her wrapped in a warm cotton blanket and unwrap each body part when it's ready to be massaged.

When your little one is learning to walk, remove his socks when he's indoors. This will help give him more control.