You aren't a bad Mommy

My little Abigail gets mats no matter what I do.

Just yesterday, I felt big tangles under her arms, I'm guessing from her harness. So I sat down last night with my cowboy magic and thinning shears and got them out. I felt so much better afterwards and I'm sure she did too.
I'm trying my best not to cut her coat, but I'm sure by the time Spring gets here, I'll be ready to cut her short. Abby btw, is 8 months old and has a very thick coat.
Another thing to add to the already great suggestions is to be careful of how you dry them. Never rub hard with the towel. Just squeeze the water out with the towel and then brush or comb as you blow dry. I think that's why Abby was so tangled...hubby dried her off the past two times she had a bath and he's a scrubber!
I'm sure your baby is still adorable