Below are this month's tips from Your Baby Today. Tips appear daily on the Your Baby Today home page.

• If you have cracked nipples, leave them exposed to the air as much as possible in between feedings or use a hair dryer on low. Also, after nursing, rinse off your baby's saliva and then express a little milk, letting it dry on the nipples.
• Set aside a stash of thank-you cards, stamps, and return address labels for baby gifts.
• Before you become pregnant, invest in a firm mattress for back support.
• Avoid drafts -- don't put your infant's crib near the window.
• If your hospital or birth center will allow it, try to get your baby to room-in with you so you can nurse her when she starts crying and won't get confused by a bottle nipple in the nursery.
• To encourage a strong milk supply, breastfeed your baby on demand, which is usually every 2 hours, rather than on a set schedule.
• Join a support group (e.g., La Leche League) to help learn about breastfeeding and share your ups and downs about it.
• If you decide to breastfeed your baby, you should give it at least 3 months for you and your baby to learn how to do it and get settled into a routine. After this time, it will be easier and more enjoyable.
• Try not to schedule any playdates or activities right after your baby has had her immunizations because if she has a bad reaction, you might not notice it right away.
• Within the first 24 hours after an immunization, your baby may be irritable and less energetic than usual. The area of the skin may be red and she may develop a slight fever (less than 102). These are normal reactions which last no longer than 48 hours.
• If possible, both parents should attend the first few visits to the pediatrician so they can get to know the doctor and learn important things about their baby together.
• Don't bathe your baby more than two to three times a week during her first year or her skin may get dried out. If a bath is part of the daily bedtime routine, then keep it brief.
• Place a thermometer in your baby's armpit to take his temperature if he's under six months old.
• Don't heat bottles in the microwave because the milk could get too hot and burn your baby.
• Wipe down toys and counters regularly with disinfectant to prevent colds.
• Soaking in a warm tub may ease your labor pains.
• Send grandma and grandpa a list of food your baby likes so you don't have to bring it with you.
• Many women swear by tea and toast for morning sickness relief.
• Consider hiring a doula for extra support during labor and the first weeks of child care.
• In the months before trying to get pregnant, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Don't put off decorating your nursery because you might not have time after the baby arrives.
• Before you visit the grandparents, ask them to make sure their house is baby-proof.
• If you newborn has a face rash, witch hazel works well to clear it up.
• Women who breastfeed lose weight faster after giving birth.
• If you're pregnant and you're dying for a massage, be careful. Pressing hard on certain spots could be bad for your developing child.
• If traveling while pregnant, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Don't worry about airport metal detectors--there's no evidence they harm a developing fetus.
• 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.