Baby Tips 

• For formula-feeding moms, let the baby stay in the nursery during your stay in the hospital.  This may be the last couple of days' rest you will get in a while.
• Use hospital resources like lactation consultants to your advantage.  Ask as many questions until you feel comfortable with what you are doing.  Rent a breast pump from the hospital, if you have not purchased one yet.
• Remind yourself from which breast you last fed your baby by wearing a hair elastic on the corresponding wrist.
• Relax and try to enjoy the first few months. Whatever you (or grandparents or caregivers) are doing will not spoil the child.  It is never too late to drop a bad habit.
• Studies show that pacifiers do help babies soothe themselves during these first few months.
• Prepare your entire set of bottles for the day at a set time (in the evening after they've gone to bed is one good option). This way you don't have to be scrambling for a sterilized nipple, figuring out the exact measurement of water or formula/expressed milk while your baby cries.
• Whatever the routine, try to make sure the baby notices the difference between day and night. Make all night feedings quiet, darker and more intimate.
• Blow softly on a babies mouth when using a syringe. This stimulates their swallow reflex and gets the medicine down quickly.
• Take lots of pictures, and videos especially, but don't forget to be present with your baby.
• When introducing solids, don't wait too long for your baby to savor vegetables. This way he/she will not get used to only sugary fruits.
• Start brushing their teeth early so they will get used to the sensation.
• Keep a spare set of clothes for you and baby, in case of a spit up or diaper accident!
• Studies indicate that baby massage helps with the baby's physical and intellectual development. It is also a beautiful and special way to bond with your new baby.
• Take advantage of your baby's portability- go to an afternoon movie (some cities have special showings for moms with kids) or out to lunch with friends while baby is napping.  This gets harder as their schedule becomes more rigid.
• Begin to look into school programs that you may want to enroll your 1 or 2 year old child.  Open houses usually take place in the Winter.
• If you are going to give your little tot a lovie, or special toy, (it has been shown that this helps them sleep better), make sure you buy at least 3 of the same exact one and rotate them so they all wear out equally. The extras are huge saviors as you invariably lose at least one through the years and the other will probably be hiding, dirty or missing a limb.