Childcare Basics

No childcare situation is perfect. Here are some common complaints and possible solutions.

How to size up a child-care situation and pick the best one.

What to ask when choosing a child-care facility.

An insider's guide to choosing a high-quality program for your child.

Most babies are ready to sleep through the night by 3 to 4 months -- if their parents let them. Learn how these common mom-and-dad errors can turn your baby into a poor sleeper.

Studies show that babies become more adaptable eaters when they eat foods prepared for the whole family. Renee Lessen, a clinical nutritionist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, says, "As long as your family is eating well, there is no reason why your baby shouldn't have what you're having." Most dinners can be easily tailored to food fit for Baby, saving time and money and adding a seat at the table for the littlest family member.

It's time to start thinking about daycare. Check out our list of the ups and downs for a variety of childcare options including family daycares, daycare centers and au pairs.

Essentials tidbits for getting your newborn baby to sleep.

Any object that baby can turn into a toy will teach him a thing or two.

We've got the answers to the stuff you worry about most when it comes to childcare.

Want to stay at home with your kids and earn an income?

Kids grow up in the blink of an eye. Use our quick baby milestone quiz to find out when to expect the biggest milestones along the way.

Fed up with those frequent night wakings? Can't bear to let your baby cry it out? Wondering how to get your newborn on the right path to dreamland? Kim West, author of Good Night, Sleep Tight: The Sleep Lady's Gentle Guide to Helping Your Baby Go to Sleep and The Good Night, Sleep Tight Workbook, has the answers.

Find out the best time to try sleep training with your baby.

From drugs to breathing techniques, here's what to know to make your labor as painless as possible.

Feel crampy or beyond exhausted? See the surprising clues that may indicate you're expecting -- before a pregnancy test would.

A child costs the average family more than $15,000 per year. Before you freak, read these simple ways to slash your expenses.

You'll turn green with envy when you see these great, environmentally safe products.

New baby, new priorities: Use our checklist to be sure you have the basics covered.

Now is a great time to explore your daycare options and check out various facilities.

Pregnancy can be a time of lots of questions, especially when it comes to your and your baby's health. Knowing what's safe and what's not -- and when symptoms necessitate a call to your doctor is important. Here's a primer on when you should pick up the phone.

Learn the symptoms of this serious pregnancy complication, and find out how it's treated.

From snooze-friendly blankets to magic rituals, moms reveal how they got their infants to sleep -- and finally got some shut-eye themselves.

For infants, you only need to be concerned with comfort and warmth. Later, look for a tread that can handle trips to the playground.

Help your baby fall asleep with some of these classic tunes.