7 Surefire Ways to Drive a New Mom Insane

They warned you about the sleepless nights, the potential for colic, and the positively absurd amount of diapers that you'll run through. But the frustrating aspect of new motherhood that many moms aren't so well prepared for? The onslaught of advice — unsolicited advice at that — that's about to roll in. If you're a new mom yourself, you already know what you don't want to hear. If you're the friend or family member of a sweet bundle of joy, here's what you absolutely shouldn't say to his or her proud (and sleep-deprived) mama.

What was the most annoying piece of unwarranted parenting advice that you ever received?

01
Tell Her How to Sleep Train
Thinkstock

Tell Her How to Sleep Train

Having attempted this thing they call sleep training myself not so very long ago (successfully, then unsuccessfully, then successfully again), I know it's not as easy as it sounds. It completely depends on your baby, your tolerance for tears, and your own threshold for functioning on minimal sleep. So listen, nod, offer a suggestion or two if she asks . . . but don't tell her what she's doing wrong and how easy it was for you and your baby. That's not what she wants to hear.

02
Tell Her She Should (or Shouldn't) Be Cosleeping
Thinkstock

Tell Her She Should (or Shouldn't) Be Cosleeping

Some babies sleep better when they're with their parents. Some don't. Some moms are committed to an attachment parenting approach. Some think that cosleeping is dangerous. Whether her baby sleeps in a crib, in a bed, or anywhere else, that's her family's decision, and it really doesn't impact anyone else.

03
Impose Your Views on Vaccinations
Thinkstock

Impose Your Views on Vaccinations

Want to get a new mom — or any mom, really — seriously fired up? Challenge her views on vaccinations. Right up there with politics and religion, this one can bring a dinner party conversation (or, in new-mom world, a coffee date) to an abrupt halt.

04
Tell Her to Supplement With Formula
Thinkstock

Tell Her to Supplement With Formula

For many women, breastfeeding is the single biggest challenge of early motherhood. If a new mom in your life has made the decision to nurse exclusively, support her. If she's dealing with a fussy, unsatisfied baby, suggest that she talk to her pediatrician to get an expert opinion rather than offering your own.

05
Ask Her Why She's Not Feeding Her Baby Solids
Thinkstock

Ask Her Why She's Not Feeding Her Baby Solids

The American Association of Pediatrics now recommends introducing solids at 6 months. For moms of older kids (and certainly for our own moms), this may seem like a while to wait. If your friend is going by the book and listening to her own pediatrician's recommendations, don't question her decision — she's probably done her research.

06
Share Your Views on Her Partner's Parenting Skills
Thinkstock

Share Your Views on Her Partner's Parenting Skills

You've probably heard the saying "There are a million ways to be a great mom." Likewise, there are a million ways to be a great dad. Just because her significant other isn't taking the same approach that yours did (or that you wish yours did) doesn't mean he isn't trying his hardest in his own way. It's great to have a friend who's a sounding board for vents and frustrations — it's not so great to have one who stirs up discontent unnecessarily.

07
Engage in the Nanny vs. Daycare Debate
Thinkstock

Engage in the Nanny vs. Daycare Debate

People come to their decisions on childcare for a variety of reasons. Money is generally a factor (whether it's a nonissue or a driving decision), as are the options in her area. Regardless of why your friend is going her chosen route, it's her decision. Smile and be supportive — it's what she needs!