There are all kinds of new skills that you will master as a parent. Here are just a few.

Nail trimming:

When your baby is born, she may have rather long fingernails that will need to be cut, left, so she doesn’t scratch herself. The hospital won’t do this for you because it’s considered a surgical procedure, so you may want to bring a pair of baby clippers with you to the hospital.

To cut your baby's nails, push down on the finger's skin to pull the nail away from the skin as you cut. If you do nick baby's fingers, use a gauze pad to stop the bleeding. Tip: Try to sneak in nail cutting while your baby is asleep.

Cleaning the nose:

Don't use a cotton swab or rolled up tissue to clean the inside of your baby's nose. If your baby is really stuffy, suction out the mucus with a baby nasal aspirator. Saline drops may soften the mucus first. Cradle your baby or sit her up. Squeeze the bulb and place the tip in one nostril. Release bulb and draw the mucus out. Rinse the bulb and repeat.

Temperature (underarm):

Ear thermometers are common today but are not very accurate for newborns. It's best to use a traditional thermometer, left. When taking your baby's temperature, keep her entertained by singing or talking to her so she doesn't wiggle too much.

Take off your baby's shirt. Carefully put the end of the thermometer into her armpit (make sure it is dry). Hold your baby's arm over the thermometer and gently press her elbow against her side. It may take four to five minutes for a reading.

Calling for help

When in doubt, call your doctor. Call your baby's doctor immediately if your child develops any of these symptoms:

• Poor feeding
• Poor coloring
• Listlessness
• Weak cry
• Underarm temperature of at least 99.4 degrees F
• Unusual fussiness
• Sleeping more than usual
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Breathing problems