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Learn the power of "no." If you say "yes" to every invitation, volunteer opportunity, etc. you will become run down. Cherish the priceless moments you spend with your baby, even if it means saying "no" to something else.

If your child really likes a certain toy have a backup one in case baby loses it.

During your pregnancy prepare some ready-to-eat-meals and freeze them so you don't have to worry about cooking for a few days.

Install your car seat before baby comes so you don't have to figure out how to do it once baby has arrived. Most firehouses have someone to help you install it, if you are having difficulty.

To help soothe your baby, swaddle her w/ arms down in blanket that has your scent. This will give extra security to your baby.

Help develop your toddler's imagination by looking at clouds in the sky and finding different shapes or animal formations in the clouds.

Toddlers are very interested in themselves. Keep plastic mirrors around for them to look at themselves and watch themselves play.

Developing a sleep routine can help baby sleep better. Keep bed time consistent and develop soothing rituals such as singing, rocking, reading to, or cuddling baby.

Baby loves to hear your voice. Talk to baby as you go about your activities, explaining to him what you are doing.

Have a baby first aid kit that is easily accessible. Make sure kit contains infant non-aspirin pain reliever and your pediatricians phone number. Read more.

Infant massage can reduce crying. Learn simple methods here.

There are many demands made on parents. It may be difficult but don't neglect caring for yourself. Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, spend time doing something that you enjoy, and try to get sleep! If you can, accept offers from others you trust to help out so you can take a break once in awhile.

Having a child can put a strain on your budget. Learn money saving tips from mom sites such as http://www.thriftyandchicmom.com/ and http://www.couponmom.com/

Keep a placemat in your travel bag for when you eat out. If your child isn't eating off a plate yet, they provide a clean surface instead of your child eating off a restaurant table.

Write monthly letters to your baby while you are expecting and store them in a safe place. Continue doing this until they hit a significant milestone such as marriage or having their own child. You can then give these letters to them. It will be a very personalized and meaningful gift!

Help baby explore toys by shaking, banging, or throwing them.

Make sure to buy baby wipes that do not contain alcohol as it can make baby's bottom too dry.

Set your water heater so that the hot water can never come out at more than 120 degrees. Water can become hot very quickly. Turning the hot water on while baby is bathing can scald him.

Place baby on his back when putting him down to sleep. This position reduces the incidence of SIDS. Make sure your caregivers know to do this as well.

Keep a travel bottle of hand sanitizer in your diaper bag to make sure you don't spread germs to baby.

Playing peek-a-boo with baby helps her understand that objects exist even when she can't see them.

Keep an extra disposable bag in your diaper bag in case you have nowhere to throw out a dirty diaper.

Establish a routine. Your baby needs to know that certain activities will happen around the same time each day.

Avoid a choking hazard by not letting your toddler eat in the car since it's difficult to supervise him while driving.

Sometimes the most stimulating toys are right around your house! Measuring cups and different sized non-breakable bowls are great for baby's curiosity.

Make sure there is nothing in or near your baby's crib such as stuffed animals, drapes, or bedding that can cause a hazard to baby.

Support your child's learning process by encouraging baby to mimic your sounds and gestures.

Make baby's bath time stress free by having everything within reach. This helps you concentrate on baby, not on finding bathing essentials.

Babies love to be touched so don't be afraid to cuddle your baby often.

Quiet baby with background white noise - hair dryer, vacuum, fan, or with a white noise machine. White noise mimics sounds baby heard while in your womb.

If your toddler is being fussy about eating her food, use a cookie cutter to cut into fun shapes for them to eat.

Make your window treatments safe for baby by tying cords so they are out of baby's reach.

Play with, read, or sing to your baby every day. Baby likes interaction with you. With a newborn, you may have to adjust priorities and expectations of yourself. Housework or other tasks may have to wait while you attend to baby.

To help distract a fussy baby, keep a new toy in your diaper bag.

Help your child learn hand eye coordination by letting him feed himself.

Prep foods (chopping veggies, cleaning potatoes, etc.) during any free time earlier in the day (or on the weekend) so you have will less to do right before your family eats dinner.

Hold your baby and cuddle as you read. She will start to associate reading with positive feelings of being warm and safe.