What’s an important aspect of pregnancy and delivery you think parents-to-be often overlook as they prepare their birth plan?

Everyone should talk to their doctor ahead of time and make sure they are on the same page. Ask questions. A lot of times as moms get closer to their due date, they hear things like, “We might induce you” or “The baby is too big, you might need a c-section.” Talk to your doctor about a birth plan: Do you want an epidural or a drug -free birth? Do you want to be moving or squatting during labor? Do you want a doula at your birth? What is the doctors c-section and episiotomy rate? Things can change at any minute but it’s good to discuss an ideal situation with your doctor and also have a vision of what you want your birth experience to be like. —Janet Markovits, founder, The Pregnant New Yorker

What are new parent support groups, and why are they a good idea?

At Soho Parenting, all of our groups share a unique combination of focus, spending an equal time talking about the babies and the parents. The Mother Infant group offers practical, hands-on advice: we discuss sleep, feeding, physical, emotional and language development. For the “mom” topics, we include a session on the changes that take place in your marriage, work and motherhood, your changing body, and how your own childhood effects how you enter this new role as parent. But what I feel is best about these groups is really the intimate relationships that are forged. Many of the women report that the early friendships they make here are the ones that stick for years. And the children often keep their “extended family” friendships with the other kids. —Jean Kunhardt, co-founder, Soho Parenting

What are the advantages of using a nanny placement service versus finding childcare through referral or an online bulletin board?

One of the main advantages is families are meeting nannies that have already been pre-screened that are true working, professional nannies. The agency is trained in identifying career nannies as well as performs duties such as meeting the nanny, calling and checking all references and conducting face-to-face interviews before the client meets them. It’s invaluable, as for every one great nanny, you have to meet 20 “not-so-hot” ones, and very few families have the time, endurance and know-how to do so. Most important of all, the agency performs full criminal background checks on all hired nannies—this is all-too-often overlooked when not going through a professional agency. —Douglas Kozinn, co-founder, Absolute Best Care

How can parents save money on diapers?

With two kids still in diapers, I’d be lost without Diapers.com! This site lets me order boxes of diapers in bulk and delivers them to my building for free. No lugging bulky overpriced packages from the store every few days. Even better, the site carries tons of other diapering essentials too. Tip: order Costco’s Kirkland brand wipes. One box holds nine 100-count packages of unscented hypoallergenic wipes made from environmentally-friendly Tencel and is far cheaper than similar brand-name options. —Robin Saks Frankel, founder, Crib Notes

When should parents start sleep training and how can they find the confidence to stick with it?

It’s never too late to start sleep teaching, but it can be too early. We recommend parents wait until a child is around four months of age, when most healthy babies can learn to sleep through the night without eating, and have the ability to self-soothe. The best way to stay on track: pick a sleep teaching method both parents not only believe in, but fully understand. This way, no one is leading or following. If parents are in lock step they can encourage each other along the way. Before sleep teaching, parents should sit down together to write down the reasons they’ve decided to sleep teach. Then, put the list up on the refrigerator. If things get tough during the process they can look back on the list they made at a more rational point in time and glean some confidence. —Conner Herman and Kira Ryan, co-founders, Dream Team Baby: Infant and Toddler Sleep Consultation

What should moms-to-be and new moms be thinking about when it comes to nursing wear?

Most moms who visit Yummy Mummy seem to be concerned with two things: feeling comfortable and feeling attractive, even sexy. So when you’re buying nursing wear, you may want to ask yourself: Is this a fabric that feels soft and nice to the touch? Is this a style I can wear at home for visitors? Or out for a quick dinner? Another consideration: many nursing brands make styles that are made to be worn both during and after pregnancy. This is a great option for many moms. —Amanda Cole, owner, Yummy Mummy

What should parents think about when putting together a registry? Is there a strategy? Can you register for too much?

Most people think of their baby registry as a list of gift suggestions, but it can also serve an important function in helping you plan your nursery. Think of it as your master list. Not only does it let you think through everything you need, but a store with good registry support will help you put together the list that’s right for you. No one should be offended if you put up a complete list that includes everything from car seats to nail clippers. And doing so means you’ll avoid the three biggest pitfalls of registries from a gift-giver’s point of view: not having enough for your registrants to select; not having enough choices in every price range so everyone can find something in their budget; and not having a good balance of fun and practical items. Some people are afraid they’ll offend people by including expensive items like a stroller, but the only thing that will offend people is if that’s all you include. And remember, most businesses allow you to close out your registry with some type of savings (at giggle you get a one-time discount of 10% off whatever items you registered for but didn’t receive). —Ali Wing, founder, giggle

What are some tips for having your child’s first portrait taken?

It’s so important to document your baby’s different stages because they change and grow so quickly. A photo shoot should be fun! When planning for your first family shoot, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy it. Kids can sense when you’re nervous and this won’t produce the best results. Find a photographer who you feel comfortable with and who will bring out your child’s organic expressions in a playful, natural way. A great idea is to bring your little Flip video recorder and get some moving shots to document your first shoot. Then you’re double-documenting. —Heidi Green, founder, Heidi Green Photography