It's no secret that moms are the best resource for other moms. It takes a mom to know how best to get out spit-up stains, alleviate teething pain, and handle a nit-wit nanny.

Help is essential. Ergo, www.essentialmom.com, an easy, parent-friendly, one-stop source for Westchester moms-- and dads. Yes, the pages may be filled with ads-- day-care centers and pizza parlors want to reach new parents as much as new parents want to learn about new day-care centers and good local pizza joints.

Founded by Gretchen Menzies, a Bedford mother of two, www.essentialmom.com offers book recommendations, a listing of local plumbers and architects, as well as information on summer camps and birthday party venues. "I felt there should be a resource out there to make it all easier," says Menzies, a certified social worker.