How to Handle Unwanted Baby Advice

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By StacyP
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Oh no, not another piece of unwanted baby advice. Make it stop!

If you’re the parent of a baby, you’ve probably been swamped with advice on how to care for your little one. Everyone, from the stranger in the checkout line to your closest family members, loves to gives you baby advice. Some of the baby advice you appreciate, while some it goes in one ear and out the other. What can you do when unwanted baby advice makes you want to scream in frustration? Here are some tips I’ve used to handle unwanted baby advice.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

When it’s a stranger, distant relative, or acquaintance giving the unwanted baby advice, the easiest and least stressful thing to do is nod and smile. Say thank you. (Even a “that’s nice” remark is sufficient.) Then quickly move on, either with a new discussion topic or your two walking feet. Arguing with a person who is not an everyday part of your life about how to care for your baby is NOT worth the stress it brings. Do a few deep breathing exercises and be thankful you don’t have to listen to this unwanted baby advice giver on a regular basis.
Step 2

When it’s a doctor or other healthcare professional giving unwanted baby advice, the response you give may vary. Will you be seeing this doctor again? If not, then you can choose to let it drop, as suggested in step one. If this is your regular doctor giving the unwanted baby advice, honesty is the best policy. Your relationship with your doctor should be a sincere one. But be delicate in your argument and be willing to accept new information (an open mind is better than a closed one). Also, present your doctor with information that supports your viewpoint. Even medical doctors can learn a thing or two sometimes!
Step 3

If the unwanted baby advice is coming from a close family member or friend, you have my sympathy. These are often the people who think they know your baby better than you do. They are also the most difficult to handle, since these unwanted baby advice givers are usually a permanent fixture in your life. The best thing to do here is stand your ground while maintaining a level of politeness. Outright tell these people that the both of you will just have to agree to disagree. If they still persist in giving you unwanted baby advice, then it’s time to distance yourself from these meddlers as much as possible. You don’t need this stress (and all the health problems it can bring!).