Parenting 4 Kids Nationally accredited, 4 Kids Early Learning Network serves children and families throughout the Mon Valley. Through this column, 4 Kids staff members answer reader questions about raising children in the critical early years. E-mail questions for consideration to: questions@4kidsearlyed.org, or mail to: 4 Kids Questions, 445 Fourth St., Braddock, PA 15104.

Q: I'm having my first baby in the fall, and the advice is already making me crazy. My mother says babies need peace and quiet and a room with a closed door or they won't sleep well, but my mother-in-law says sleeping right in the middle of things with people talking and moving around makes babies sleep more soundly. Help!

A: You have to do what you and your husband feel is best for your household and your lifestyle.

There's no wrong answer here -- both sleep styles are acceptable. But be aware that, depending on which you choose, your child will probably for many years need either background noise or silence to sleep well.

Here are some factors to consider as you decide how to condition your child's sleeping:

Will your baby be going to child care as an infant? If so, he or she will need to be able to sleep surrounded by other children. At our Centers, the children are on their own individual schedules, as specified by their parents (and the children's own biological clocks), so some infants are sleeping while others are eating or playing.

Are you planning to have more children? If a second baby shares a room with your first child, and your first is conditioned to sleep in silence, the new baby's nighttime crying will be problematic.

A baby's ability to sleep through background noise has its advantages, because you can work around the house without disturbing the infant.

Some people decide to mesh both sleep styles, having the baby sleep in his or her room with the door closed, but with normal sounds continuing in the rest of the house. That may be a "happy medium."

Once you and your husband have decided what to do, sit down with both mothers and let them know how much you appreciate their advice. Then explain what you have decided and why you believe it's best for your family. Good luck -- and enjoy your new baby!