We're happy you've joined us at CafeMom. Below are some answers to common questions to help you get started.

What is CafeMom?

CafeMom is an online community where thousands of moms come together every day to connect with each other. The site is free to join and all moms are welcome. If you haven't joined yet, it just takes a few minutes to create your profile then you can enjoy all the features of CafeMom. Learn how to make CafeMom your homepage!

What can I do on CafeMom?

You can connect with other moms in many different ways:

• Join a group with moms like you and start chatting
• Set up your profile page so other moms can get to know you
• Ask a question in Answers
• Enjoy a good-natured photo contest in Showdowns
• Vote in a poll and make your opinion matter
• Share a hot news item on the Hot List
• Take a survey and let other moms get to know more about you
• Browse around and read journals and view photos that other moms have shared
• Add your own journal entries and photos to share with other moms
• Search for moms and make some friends

How do I meet other moms?

There are many different ways to meet moms on CafeMom. Here are a few suggestions:

• Join a group that interests you. There are groups you can join based on your interests (cooking, scrapbooking, tattoos, etc.), your location, the age of your kids, your age, and much, much more. Join in the conversation in the group and you're sure to find other moms like you. View some of the active groups or search for a group.
• Search for moms. You can search for moms who live near you, moms with kids the same age as your, moms who share the same interests or face the same challenges - and more. Use the search box (located at the top of every page) to search by name, location or kids' ages. For more ways to search, click the "more search options" link below the search box. Once you find profiles of interesting moms, you can view their profiles to learn more about them.
• Get an answer to any question about parenting, pregnancy, relationships, and more. The Answers section lets other moms give you advice on any topic. Is there a mom whose advice you like the most? Visit her profile to learn more about her.
• View the Thought Bubble map. Want to see what's on other moms' minds? Watch their thoughts float by - after awhile you're sure to see someone thinking the same thing as you!
• Take a survey. Surveys are a fun way to give other moms a chance to know you. Answer the questions in categories like About Me, This or That, and TMI. You could have the same answers as another mom, and the perfect opportunity to start a conversation.
• Add a comment. If you read a journal post that you enjoyed or have some advice for the author, be sure to leave her a comment. Or, if you see a photo that catches your attention, leave a comment. Everyone loves getting comments and it's a great way to start up a conversation.

What should I do once I meet a mom whom I'd like to know better?

• Leave her a message in the Chatterbox on her profile page to say hello.
• If you prefer to contact her privately, you can send her a private message. To send a message, click the "Send a Message" link on her profile page (it's at the top near her photo).
• Send her a friend invitation. Once she accepts your invite, she'll be added to your friends list and you'll be on hers. You'll then be able to see any posts or photos she's marked as Friends Only (and vice versa). You'll also be notified about things she does on CafeMom in the Recent Activity box on your homepage.

How can I change the look of my profile page?

Your profile page is the page that other moms will view to learn more about you. You can show off your personality by customizing the background, colors, and fonts on the page. Click the "Customize Your Profile" button on your homepage to make changes.

How can I add or change information in my profile?

Click on the "Edit your Profile" link on the upper left corner of your homepage. You can choose to share as much or as little about yourself and your kids as you'd like - you can always add or change your information later.

Who can see what I post?

We've built in a lot of privacy controls so you can decide who can see what you post. But, remember to be smart about what you share - don't share personal details like your address, phone number, social security number, or credit card numbers with someone you don't know.

Click the "Privacy + Settings" link at the top of any page to check your privacy settings or to change your privacy settings at any time.

In addition, each individual journal entry or photo has its own individual privacy setting. Every time you post a journal or photo, you can decide who you'd like to be able to see it.

Read tips about Privacy and Security on CafeMom.

How can I use CafeMom to stay in touch with mom friends I already know?

If your friends aren't already part of CafeMom, invite them to join you here.

Once you're all on CafeMom, you can create a Personal Group just for you and your friends where you can talk privately.

What are SweetPeas?

SweetPeas are smileys that are only available to CafeMom members and CafeMom Toolbar users. You can add them to any of your posts - just click the "Add a SweetPea" button above the box where you type.

Have More Questions?

You can get in touch with CafeMom and ask any questions that you have by clicking the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of every page on the site. We'll typically get back to you within 24 hours, although it can take longer on weekends or holidays. We answer almost every question, so send us a note!