In the Baby Zone with Marla Sokoloff

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Marla Sokoloff (The Practice and Desperate Housewives) has officially entered the Baby Zone! As a new mom to Elliotte Anne Puro (born February 8, 2012), the actress shares her thoughts on stress, first smiles, and why week six was not quite her favorite moment in parenting.

What's your golden rule of parenting?

Well, I've only been at this parenting thing for three months but I would have to say my golden rule is to not sweat the small stuff. I have a tendency to get really anxious and stressed out, and babies pick up on that so I try to resist the urge to panic at all costs. Someone once told me that having a child signs you up for a lifetime of worry—so I have plenty of time to freak out.

Describe the best moment of parenting so far.

The first time Elliotte smiled. After weeks of getting a blank stare, it warmed my heart to see that sweet smile!

And the worst?

I would say the worst was during week six. All of a sudden she was so fussy and unhappy! Turns out she has acid reflux [and] once we got her on the right medication she was back to being my sweet little girl.

Best advice you ever got?

A few days before Elliotte was born, a good friend told me that no matter what, find the time to shower and get dressed every day. If you hang around in your pjs or sweat pants all day you will get very depressed. I think I rocked the sweats look for two days after getting home from the hospital, but after that I took her advice. I forced myself to shower and run a brush through my hair!

What's the one thing you can't live without?

[The] Fisher Price Little Lamb chair. I wouldn't be able to take the aforementioned shower without it! I put it on the bathroom floor so I can keep an eye on Elliotte.

Finish this sentence: You know you're in the Baby Zone when…

... you leave your house feeling like you look pretty cute until someone points out you have spit up running down your back! This has happened to me more that once by the way.