Maybe it hit you at a shopping mall, while you glanced over the participants of a local photography contest. Or maybe the revelation came to you while enjoying some prime time television: Your kid could do that. There's no doubt about it. But, how do you go about getting your baby into show business?

The Good
Of course, you'll need someone who knows the business to guide you through the technicalities. This person is called an agent or a manager, and you can find one by getting a copy of The Academy Players Directory Reference Supplement. "[The directory] is put out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences," explains Richard Jay Ward, a personal manager in Hollywood, Calif. "It is free and published three times a year." Copies are available at the Academy office, or by writing to them at 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA. 90211.

Once you have a list of possible agents, you need to make contact. If the agent is within driving distance, your best bet is a personal visit. Another alternative is to mail, or deliver, a professional, 8x10, black and white head shot. Whatever you decide, don't just cold-call -- do your research first. "Parents should contact reputable agencies for their individual procedures," says Cynthia Burke, director of Caryn Model & Talent Agency, in Minneapolis, Minn. "For consideration at Caryn Model & Talent Agency, parents need to send us a 5x7 or an 8x10 nonreturnable photograph void of distractions such as hats, sunglasses, etc."

Regardless of the method of initial communication, signing on with an agent shouldn't be too complicated. Rachel Bain, the mother of twin toddlers who star in a CBS television sitcom, learned this first hand. "It was actually way easier than I had expected," Bain says. "We had heard of Academy Kids Management from my Mothers of Twins Club, and my husband was really pushing for us to go check it out. We took a drive down to Hollywood, and signed [the boys] up. [The agency] took a couple of pictures of them, gave us a contract and that was it."

The Bad
Whereever dreams are pursued, cons are not far behind. The entertainment industry has its far share of sleazy deals and money making scams. "Beware of any agents or managers that want any up-front fees," Ward says. "It is not accepted, condoned, common, legitimate or normal procedure. They want money? Go somewhere else! Legit agents and managers charge NO up-front fees." In addition, Ward says to be careful when you select an agent in another city. He suggests that you check the agency's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and that you ask questions about other successful talent they represent.

You should also toughen your skin and prepare yourself for rejection. When it comes down to it, your baby might not be interested in cooperating for pictures and cooing on cue. And don't get frustrated if your baby has all the right moves but still doesn't get a break. The truth is, show business might not be interested in any babies. According to Ward, children younger than 5 years old are not a hot commodity in Hollywood. "That's not talent, that's just cute," says Ward. "There are so many parents that try to get their very young kids in the 'biz' at a too young age. [There's] not much call for that. And with cost cutting, many of the very young [children] in commercials could very well be the directors' kids."

The Bottom Line
After thinking it through, you or your baby might not be ready for all that Hollywood has to offer. If this is the case, you may be glad to know that there is a way to satisfy the "showbiz bug" -- but on a much smaller scale. Kris Lucey, of Erie, Penn., found that local contests offered a nice alternative to the high profile, fast-paced world of television and film. Photo contests and pageants not only offer experience and notoriety, they can be lucrative, too. "First prize was a college scholarship," Lucey says. "I thought [my daughter] was cute, and I figured if she could win a scholarship -- why not?"

Lucey's daughter did receive runner-up recognition before the stubbornness of toddlerhood caused her to drop out of the contest circle. But the experience was a good one, and Lucey is prepared for questions when her daughter gets older. "If she asks to get involved in more contests or pageants, then I will support her 100 percent, as long as she enjoys it, and it's something she wants to do."

In the end, enjoyment is what this business is all about. "It is a personal choice whether or not to place your baby in the commercial or modeling industry," Burke says. "For most, it is a positive experience. The bottom line is children and parents should be involved in modeling only if they have a positive outlook, their expectations are not too high and the child is enjoying their unique experience."