1. When buying an infant monitor, get more than one receiver. This way you can plant them in different parts of the house (e.g., the family room, bedroom, deck or patio) instead of having to move one unit all over the house.

2. Keep your infant monitor on a bookshelf or dresser and not right next to your baby's crib. Otherwise you will hear every little toss and turn he makes through the night and it will keep you awake.

3. To help your baby sleep better through the night, establish (and stick to) a regular bedtime routine (e.g., bottle, bath, books and bed).

4. Prepare all your day's bottles of formula the night before by 9 p.m. so you'll be ready for the early morning and regular morning feedings.

5. Keep a normal noise level in your house when your baby naps during the day so she'll get used to sleeping in the real world.

6. Prepare and sign a permission form that gives someone close to you (e.g., your mother or sister) the right to seek emergency medical care for your baby in your absence. When you leave your baby with a sitter, make sure she knows where that form is as well.

7. Record your baby's monthly immunizations on your calendar on the date when she had the shots so you'll have an easy-to-access record.

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

9. Rotate your baby's favorite toys with those of friends' babies who are about the same age. This way your baby will get to enjoy new toys without you having to buy more.

10. 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.