Tomorrow would mark my fourth anniversary here at About Baby's First Year, and I must say it has been a wonderful four years at that.

I've enjoyed the interaction with my readers, answering questions running the gamut from physical development to diaper bags. I also believe that the experience has grown me as a writer and as a parent.

I have said before that becoming a parent changed me in ways I never could have imagined. The charge of caring for my babies was the most important, most challenging job I have ever had. Over the years, I have come to firmly believe that good parenting is a coupling of guided instinct and educated judgment.

It is with those two aspects in mind that I devoted my energy to the articles and information you will find here. My goal was to present the facts to parents so that they could make informed choices regarding the care of their baby - from baby proofing to sleep theories, from development to baby activities.

While I do not expect that parents will ever find a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, I do expect that through About Baby they would find helpful, accurate information. And, in the process of becoming informed parents, they become empowered parents as well.

While I am very thankful for my time at About.com, I must admit that it is time for me to move on in new directions. I am very excited about what lies ahead of me, and I will always thinking fondly of my experience here.

Happy parenting!

As the Guide to Baby's First Year, I've gotten asked a ton of questions about parenting little ones. Wondering what the most common question I get asked has to do with?

One word: Alcohol.

• Does pumping and dumping reduce the alcohol level of breastmilk more quickly? - NO.
• Can I have a drink of alcohol if I am breastfeeding? A drink, occasionally, yes. No, to drinking daily and frequently.
• Will Alcohol Help My Baby Sleep? Really? This is just wrong on so many levels.
• Alcohol Increases Milk Supply, Right? Actually, nope. That's an old wives' tail.

What's the standard mattress crib size?

Truth be told, I am actually rather surprised that I get asked this one so often, but I do. Parents know the importance of crib safety, and they know that a great part of that has to do what your baby sleeps on and how well the mattress fits in the crib.

Wait... What? Car Seats Expire?

The short answer. A-yup.

I know, it seems like a marketing ploy, but the above article details why you really should stop using your car seat after it expires (generally about 6 to 8 years from the date it was manufactured.) Though it won't grow mold like forgotten leftovers shoved in the back of the fridge, car seats should not be used beyond their expiration date.