Now that my due date is drawing near, I'm looking at several day-care centers. What questions should I be asking to make a safe choice for my baby?

Cheryl W., KS

I can tell you from firsthand experience, choosing child care is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the first year. Here are just a few of the questions youll want answered when you visit the center:

* Does the center have a valid license and current health certificate?

* What are the hiring requirements for the staff? Is there high staff turnover?

* Does the center take infants?

* What's the ratio of staff to children and how many children are in each group?

* What happens on a typical day?

* Are parents welcome to drop in unannounced at any time? If the answer is no, don't use the center.

* What are the costs? Do you have to pay for days your child is not at the center (for example, when on vacation or ill)? What happens if you run late?

Good luck with everything,
Wendy

Why is folic acid so important during pregnancy?

Jen B., MI

Besides folic acid, pregnancy increases your need for calories, protein, and vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamins B6 and B12 and calcium. Folic acid is especially important, particularly during the first months of pregnancy. That's because a lack of folic acid has been linked to birth defects, such as spina bifida. Good sources of folic acid include: broccoli and asparagus; whole grain foods; citrus fruits and juices; and legumes (peas and beans).

Take care,
Wendy

Now that I've had my baby, I feel more exhausted than ever. Do you have any tips to help?

Jamie F., MD

To get the rest you need, it's important to keep in mind that your baby doesn't need your attention every minute—for instance, when he's safely in the crib or playpen. In fact, when your baby is safely napping, it's a good time to take a nap yourself. And, don't be afraid to put some unnecessary household chores on the back burner or share those responsibilities with your partner, other family members or outside help. Take it from a mom who's been there, even making small changes can help you regain your energy in due time.

Take some time for yourself. You deserve it!
Wendy

My baby tends to spit-up after a feeding. Am I doing something wrong?

Teresa S., NJ

As I've often said, "spit-up happens." If your baby spits up occasionally, here are several things you can do to help keep meals down:

* Give more frequent, smaller meals to see if that helps. If baby gets an overly full stomach, it is more likely to overflow.

* Burp your baby often and control the amount of air and liquid he takes in.

* If you're bottle-feeding, check the nipple-hole size. If the hole is too small (which may increase the gulping of air) or too large (and the formula flows too fast), baby may spit up more. Also, try to feed your baby before he is overly hungry. Gulping formula too fast may lead to spit-up.

You're doing fine, Teresa.
Wendy

Ever since we had the new baby our older daughter is feeling jealous. How can we help her feel as loved as she did before?

Jill K., IN

There are some very simple ways to help your daughter not feel "left out" or "replaced." Here are just a few:

* Giving her special attention, especially if she seems upset or jealous of her new brother or sister.

* Praising her for everyday behavior that might otherwise be overlooked—like when she puts her clothes away, feeds herself, draws a picture or discovers something.

* Involving her as much as possible. Let her hand you diapers, help with baths, dressing and other routine baby-care tasks. Be sure she knows you'll have time to be alone with her, too.

I've been there too. It does get better,
Wendy