When expecting, soon-to-be parents are asked a lot of questions - are you hoping for a girl or boy? What color eyes do you hope she has? Do you think he'll have dimples? Certainly, these are valid questions raised during polite conversation, though what's important for most parents-to-be? The two arms and two legs. It's just the expecting parents way of saying, "We just want a healthy baby"."

While pregnant or bringing home a new baby, the health of the baby does weigh heavily on parents’ minds. On the brightside, there are a few basic recommendations to help make sure your baby continues along a path of well-being.

The baby's journey to a healthy life first begins in the uterus. Obstetricians recommend that a mother be healthy - meaning she is in general good health, is able to manage any ongoing or chronic health issues, and has stopped any dependency on tobacco and alcohol - before coming pregnant. The first step to making a healthy baby is to have a healthy mother whose body is capable of caring and nurturing for the child while in utero.

After you've had a healthy delivery, your child is now subjected to the issues of his new world. Second, not all pediatricians are the same so make sure you find a doctor that offers a similar view of parenting as you. Most pediatricians visit a new baby within 24 hours of birth. During this time the doctor will do a general physical and may even give the first of your child’s vaccinations. The relationship between you and doctor is critical to ensure your baby's best health. Be sure to schedule and keep each of your baby's "well visits" with your pediatrician, typically about 8 times in the first year. During these well visits the doctor will check your baby’s height, weight, and head circumference to make sure he is growing steadily. The physician will also perform a general physical, provide scheduled vaccinations, and answer any questions you may have. While these visits happen often and become routine, they are key to your doctor establishing a relationship with your child and possibly catching a serious illness or disease before it comes an issue. These well visits are about prevention, which is key to guaranteeing the health of a baby.

One way to ensure you are raising a healthy baby is to have a happy baby.Though many people consider a "mother's intuition" to be mythical, there is a lot of truth as to how well a mother knows her child: trust your instincts. You know your baby and family best, and you will know what's best for them. Whether you choose to bottle feed or breastfeed, as long as your child gets enough and is eating as needed he will be healthy. Whether your baby wears one-size cloth diapers or fitted, as long as they’re regularly changed, dry, and free from diaper rash, your baby will be happy.

Child health and safety are the utmost important responsibilities you will have as a parent - make sure your child is in a safe, nurturing home where his needs are met and the risks are removed. Baby-proofing your home removes the risks associated with the many common household dangers. Some examples of things that need to be done are checking to be sure your child’s crib mattress fits into the crib snugly, you’re not leaving any pillows or blankets in the crib with your child, make sure you have safety gates installed to block stairs or hazardous areas and set your hot water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Baby proofing is critical to guaranteeing your child comes to no physical harm, and most pediatricians are happy to supply a full list of everything you need to do to ensure your home is safe.

While there is a lot to worry about when you have a new baby, just a few tips can put you on the right track to your child leading a happy, healthy life. Through proper nutrition and care while developing in the uterus, fostering a good relationship with your baby's pediatrician, and furnishing a positive environment of good health and happiness will put your baby on the path of a long, healthy life. And if he gets his mother's smile and his father's determination, that's just the cherry on the sundae.