12 baby websites for every parent

You endure nine months of pregnancy and survive the labor. Then, your doctor lets you out of the hospital and you drive home with your new bundle of joy -- and not much more. New parenthood is daunting, to say the least, which is why new moms and dads rarely turn down advice. We've combed the Internet and asked some mom friends for their favorite websites -- the ones you have to bookmark, star, highlight and memorize.

Here, a dozen websites every new parent should bookmark.

Many new moms swear by this site, becoming addicts while pregnant and finding that it provides answers to some of those weird "preggo" questions. Turn to it for information on children's health and parenting, too, and even coupons.

Why it's bookmarked: It's hard to pick just one reason. Sign up for its weekly newsletters and you'll get an e-mail pertaining to the development stage you are in (from pregnancy through your child's toddler days).

We love this oh-so-stylish shopping blog run by a few moms who claim to "track down cool stuff so you can stay busy being fabulous." From handmade jewelry and organic bambino clothes to the hottest new diaper bag and coveted strollers, this site will be your new resource when it comes to finding the coolest gear.

Why it's bookmarked: It features new products that you wouldn't just stumble across at Wal-mart or Target and even has an entire section dedicated to Mother's Day gifts, shower ideas and safe toys.

This New York Times parenting blog hits on topics from colic to bullying -- all with the intelligence that you'd expect from the well-respected news outlet. With lots of reader comments, it's easy to get good advice on how to handle difficult issues that new parents -- as well as seasoned parents -- face.

From the authors of the parenting bible "What to Expect When You're Expecting," this site is broken down by stages: conception, pregnancy, first year and toddler. You can check out tips on everything from breastfeeding and teething to sleep solutions and diaper rash.

Why it's bookmarked: It's a comfort to read about other parents who are traveling the same new frontier and get basic tips.

Being a new parent is the most thrilling time you'll ever experience. It's also the scariest -- especially in the middle of the night when you feel so alone that you could just scream. When your little bundle of joy gets a midnight fever, check this site to see if you need to call the doctor emergency-style or if it can wait until it's light outside. It's the leading source for medical information and news.

Why it's bookmarked: This site has talked many new parents off the fear ledge. Its Symptom Checker can help you understand what your child's symptoms might mean.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is hugely important. This site is where you can learn about safety recalls and news.

An outlet of the designer go-to guide Apartment Therapy, its motto reads: "This is a site for people who care about good design, but happen to have children." Brilliant!

Why it's bookmarked: The folks behind this website believe that making your home a showstopper doesn't always require tons of money or space.

Get up to 70 percent off everything from designer kiddie clothing to nursery essentials. What's not to love?

Why it's bookmarked: It's free! All you have to do is sign up, and the deals are yours.

Real parents dole out tips to other parents of babies, infants, toddlers, kids and even teenagers. Advice is organized by child's age so you can easily look for information that pertains just to you.

Familyfun.com

Entertaining a child, while fun, can be absolutely exhausting. Read up, because your little baby is going to grow up fast. This site, an extension of Disney FamilyFun magazine, is full of printables, craft ideas, party-planning tips and recipes.

Why it's bookmarked: This site brings out the inner Martha Stewart in even the most craft-challenged mom.

Watch videos from show episodes, learn numbers and letters, print coloring pages and play games -- all involving the beloved characters of the long-running "Sesame Street." It's fun as well as educational.

Why it's bookmarked: You may find yourself more riveted at times than your little one.