Lesser-Known Triumphs
Parenting is not as black-and-white as, say, assembling a crib (not that that's so easy!). Although there's no shortage of information about when most babies take their first step or babble their first "mama," there's a myriad of other achievements that get little press.

When is baby ready to blow his nose, or ride a trike? Here's a guide to help take the guesswork out of some of these less heralded milestones. Remember that every child is different and we're only offering guidelines. If you opt to do something earlier or later, no points will be deducted from your parenting score!

Cribs, Pacifiers, and Play Dates
Get baby out of your bed and into a crib when he is 3 months old. If you wait too much longer, you might have a difficult time getting him accustomed to sleeping in his own space. (This does not apply, of course, to parents who opt for a family bed.)

Get baby a big-kid bed around the age of 2. To be more precise, when your baby is standing in the crib with the mattress on the lowest setting and the top of the rail hits just below his nipple, it's time to make the move. If your baby isn't a climber, you may opt to let him stay in his crib awhile longer, but be prepared for an eventual jailbreak!

Take baby's pacifier away around 2 to 3 months of age, says Dr. Widome. Of course, there's no reason you have to take the pacifier away at all. While children who are still using a pacifier at 3 or 4 are at risk for speech problems, it's considered harmless in babies.

Start teaching ABCs, numbers, colors, and shapes when baby is 6 months old. Keep the learning fun and meaningful -- use books, real-life examples (the banana is yellow, the ball is round), and forget the flash cards! "Rather than grill them on letters, sing songs, read books, and say rhymes," says Linda Acredolo, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California at Davis and the author of Baby Minds (Bantam Books, 2000).

Have a one-on-one play date once your baby can sit up and get a good view of his buddy. "Babies are much more interested in each other than people realize," says Acredolo. "Even at 2 to 3 months, they notice each other. By 9 to 12 months, they are offering each other toys and imitating each other." To encourage friendly interaction and to minimize fighting, have doubles of toys on hand

Santa, Nose Blowing, and Separation
Visit Santa when your child is 3 or 4. While some younger children can handle a turn on the bearded fat guy's lap without a meltdown, many find the experience overwhelming and scary. Follow your child's lead -- if he seems worried or upset, put it off for another year.

Go on a trip without your child before baby is 5 months old. "At this age, babies don't miss you when you are away," says Scarlett. "In many ways, babies are more resilient to separation than toddlers, whose greater ability to picture you means they have a greater ability to miss you." The earlier you start leaving baby -- and get him accustomed to a caregiver and to the idea that you will return -- the easier future separations will be for both of you. Plus, you and your partner deserve some time away!

Teach kids to blow their nose at age 3. "Many kids around that age are interested in acting like big people, imitating big people, and pleasing big people. So if you demonstrate by example and do it in unison, they may get the hang of it," says Dr. Widome.

Let an older sibling hold baby when you feel it's safe and appropriate. Obviously, a child needs to have a certain amount of strength, coordination, and guidance to hold an infant. But as long as she is monitored -- perhaps sitting on a couch next to a parent or another adult -- there's no hard-and-fast rule as to when to allow it.