The Rookie Mom's Handbook

Even before you pop out your first baby you are bound to receive plenty of warnings about the downsides of the new world of parenting: No sleep, breastfeeding issues and the general feeling of "I'm supposed to know what to do?" usually top the list. But here's a little secret that most seasoned moms don't tell you.

What most new moms aren't prepared for is the overwhelming boredom that they encounter during those first months of motherhood. Getting out of the house is really more difficult than it should be and suddenly all those activities you used to do just don't make sense when you've got a baby in tow. And don't get us started about the soul crush that is daytime television.

That's why we absolutely love The Rookie Mom's Handbook: 250 activities to do with (or without!) your baby by bloggers Whitney Moss and Heather Gibbs Flett. Their suggestions are quirky, but completely doable -- the sort of things that you'd never think of doing and then wonder "why didn't I think of that?"

Grouped by baby's age (1 month, 2 month, etc...), the activities rarely require a bunch of work or money. Some of our favorites:

#24 Join a New Moms group

#45 Practice Yoga, Baby Style

#79 Be Fearless on Fridays ("...do something that scares you, whether it's taking your baby downtown, sneaking in a shower while she's in the crib, or changing a diaper in the trunk of your car."

#110 Act Like Julie from The Love Boat ("...plan your week and write up a schedule.")

We wish we had this book during months one through six. Now, find a woman you know that's about to have a baby and give her The Rookie Mom's Handbook. Her sanity will thank you for it.