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Only take the advice that works for you
As a new parent, you will no doubt be bombarded with advice from just about anyone and everyone – from your own parents to total strangers on the street. (Don’t be surprised if an elderly woman approaches you to ask where your baby's socks or hat is or why he isn't bundled up, even if it's 75 degrees!). Just smile, thank the kind person for her tip (she is only trying to help), then either take that advice to heart, if you think it will work for you, or delete it from your memory and go about your life.

Trust your instincts
When it comes down to it, you have to do what works best for you and your child. So listen to that little voice inside your head every now and then instead of what every other mom is doing or what the child-rearing books say – within reason, of course. Though this may be your first time as a parent, let your natural instincts be your guide.

Let your child cry - sometimes
It is natural to want to pick up your child to soothe him the second he starts crying. However, if your child is experiencing colic, there is little that can soothe him. In an article by Vicky McEvoy, M.D., of Harvard Medical School, she states: "Most of the time, as long as the baby is fed and changed and not uncomfortable, the advice for a colicky baby or for one who won't go to sleep is to let him cry. Easier said than done for most of us." She suggests: "For the colicky baby, get help and avoid feeling responsible. No one is at fault for this condition. In fact, no one can explain colic yet. Check with your pediatrician to make sure there is no sign of other problems, illness, or allergies."

Be careful during feeding time
It is suggested that breastfeeding your baby for the first six months is ideal for your child to receive the biggest health benefits from the breast milk, such as the mother's protective antibodies, and the decrease in chances of getting asthma and allergic conditions. If you have a hard time nursing, many hospitals have lactation specialists that can help.

When it comes time to introduce table food, take it slowly. And remember a few of the big no-nos for the first year — strawberries, nuts, chocolate, cow's milk and egg whites are all off limits until your baby turns one.

Don't silence the house when your baby goes to sleep
If you want your child to sleep through a thunder storm, Fourth of July fireworks or the dog barking unexpectedly, it's best to get him used to normal "background noise" as early as possible. Let's face it: You can't always create a completely silent environment for your baby every time he needs a little shut-eye.

Try to break him of the bottle habit when he turns one
One thing is true for most all babies: The longer they get used to something, the harder it will be to take that thing away from them. This holds true for bottles and binkies, and eventually blankies and thumbs. Though there is nothing wrong with your child having an object of comfort, such as a special stuffed animal, that helps soothe her, you may want to start weaning your baby from the bottle by the time she is one. Introduce a sippy cup long before you intend to replace the bottle with it, which will help for a smooth, gradual and hopefully painless transition.

Don't bring baby into bed with you
Unless you plan on co-sleeping with your child for years to come, it's best not to start the habit at all. Many new parents let their newborn sleep in their bed to comfort her and make midnight nursing sessions more convenient. If you enjoy the bond of co-sleeping and don't mind losing the extra bed space (remember, your child is going to get much bigger very soon), then refer to numbers one and two on our list. However, if you want to keep your bed as a private sanctuary for you and your hubby, don't introduce it to your child as an option to help her to sleep.

Don't feel pressured to join baby classes
For the first year of life, your child is already learning a million new things a day. Don't succumb to the pressure to get him involved in a class at such an early age. Not enrolling him in music, gymnastics or other developmental class at this young age will not hinder his development in anyway. You can provide everything he needs to develop in his first year by simply engaging him at home and in your neighborhood. Sing to him, read with him, play with him, and present him with lots of different visual stimuli. When you are out and about, talk to him, point to various objects and explain what they are, and introduce him to different shapes and colors in the environment around him.

Be flexible
Life with a baby doesn't always go as planned or as you thought it might. Nothing teaches patience like being a new parent. The best advice here is to simply roll with the punches, but be as prepared as you possibly can. Always make sure you have an extra change of clothes for baby (and perhaps yourself!), along with extra provisions in the diaper bag (more than you think you'll need).

Enjoy every second with your child
You may have already heard this from every other parent on the planet, but the first year really does go by fast. It will quickly become the second, the fourth and then the 20th before you know it, and you'll wonder what happened to all those years in between. So, take lots of pictures, roll the video camera during special occasions and everyday occasions, and enjoy every moment you have to spend with your precious bundle.

Read More:

• How to help baby sleep though the night
• Can you babyproof your marriage?
• What can your baby do? Birth to 12 months