How to Introduce Your Pets to a New Baby
Like many, you’ve decided to expand your family by adopting a pet prior to the arrival of your child.
Though they might not be a “real” baby, these furry friends are just as cherished as any human newborn. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the adjustment period is any easier when it comes time to bring your child home. So, to ensure their arrival is as smooth as possible, you’ll need to prepare beforehand.
While an obstetrician might solely deal with humans, we’ve been through enough childbirths and seen enough post-pregnancy examples to identify the best way to introduce pets to a baby. Here is everything you need to know.
Pre-childbirth Preparation
The arrival of a newborn is a major adjustment for any parent — but you still have the advantage of knowing it’s on the horizon. Now, imagine how surprised your pet will feel to see you suddenly bring a baby into the home!
Since we (sadly) can’t verbally communicate with our furry companions to warn them of the change, you’ll need to prepare them (and yourself) before that due date comes. To get started, consider some of the following suggestions.
Review Pet Health: Before anything else, double-check that your pet is up to date on their shots and isn’t displaying any health concerns. Some diseases can be transferred from animal to human, so you’ll want to take care of any dangers before bringing your baby into the picture.
Implement Changes Early: If you’re planning to change aspects of your home following childbirth (i.e., installing baby gates, adding new furniture, etc.), try to split the process into separate, gradual steps. Doing so will prevent your pet from becoming overwhelmed and ensure they’re already comfortable with the new sights and smells once your baby comes home.
Prepare for Interrupted Schedules: Much like us, pets love schedules. Whether you have a designated time to let your cat wander the yard or walk your dog around the block, consider making changes in advance. Alternatively, you can look for a pet caretaker who can maintain their routine during those first few months.
Invest in Training: If you’ve already begun teaching your pet some discipline, expect to continue training during pregnancy. Be sure to understand how your dog or cat’s behaviours could change in the presence of a child. Additionally, it’s a good idea to get them used to the sounds of a little one: for instance, by playing a video of baby noises and rewarding them with treats.
Fur-baby Meets Real Baby
The eventual meeting between your newborn and pet may not always be perfect, but there are a few strategies you can employ to make it a happy memory.
Utilise Scents: We all know cats and dogs have a much better sense of smell, which might be an issue during dinnertime. For childbirth, however, this could be an advantage. Try bringing home one of your baby’s blankets before their arrival and exposing it to your pet (along with treats) to familiarise them with their scent.
Make it Gradual: Allow the mother to enter before the child, as pets will likely be eager to greet her and release those pent-up sniffs/wiggles! Once they’ve calmed down, you can bring the baby inside.
Keep it Calm: Animals are much more aware of our emotions than we might think. As such, you’ll want to ensure mum and the baby are in a calm, quiet area before introducing your pets.
Give Out Distractions: If you have a dog or cat who requires lots of attention, the presence of a newborn might throw a wrench in their expectations. Supplying them with plenty of toys should keep them occupied as you spend quality time with your child.
Conclusion
As with most things following childbirth, it’s best to prepare for a pet-meets-baby introduction early in pregnancy. By following the steps listed above, you can ensure both family members establish a special relationship.
