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Don't google it.

My #1 advice to new mommy's - as if I'm in the position to give it, ha - is to not google it.  Just don't.  Not only because you'll find totally contradictory advice out there on topics such as:
  • Crying it out (CIO)
  • Where/when/how to nap
  • When to feed
  • How to feed
  • What to feed
  • Starting solids and baby led weaning (BLW)
  • Sleeping through the night (STTN)
  • Cribs vs. bassinets vs. baby sharing vs. rock n play (RNP)
  • Exclusively breastfeeding (EBF)
[note - anything with an acronym is exceptionally well documented on the internet, so much so these acroynms are ubiquitous.  Did I forget anything mommies and daddies?]

But also because it is not helpful.  Notice I didn't even begin to put medical maladies on here - these are simply procedural day-to-day items that get our knickers twisted.  You'll find something to justify whatever you are doing, eventually (even if it takes hours of searching).  But you'll also be convinced that whatever you are doing is wrong, that you need to buy something else to solve the problem, and that there is a better option than whatever is working for you at the moment.

This will drive you crazy.  It's driving me crazy.  See  - rock n play to crib transition for almost six month olds.  I'm trying to get you to avoid my mistakes.

I got three solid pieces of advice on troubleshooting in the first six months of my child's life:

I've succeeded if they stop doing [insert whatever bad habit/practice] by prom.
Do what works for you, now - the baby will grow up regardless.
Are they happy?  Healthy?  Smiling?  Then its working.

While I'm still learning to accept that not everything is in my control, I'm googling (and worrying!) less.

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