Bringing a new (human) baby home should be a time of joy for everyone, including older (pet) siblings. Of course, any new addition to the family can be stressful for the entire family, particularly for our four-legged family members, who may find it challenging to accept a new brother or sister. However, with some advance planning, the transition can be not only smooth and safe, but result in a special bond between your babies. Here are some tips to consider for introducing your pet to your baby, as your family grows.
Plan Ahead: Preparing Your Pet For A New Baby
Certainly, there is a tremendous amount of planning required when preparing for a new baby, especially for first-time parents. First, as soon as possible during the pregnancy, make sure pets are up to date on vaccinations and as healthy as possible. For example, cats should be tested for toxoplasmosis, which can affect pregnancy. Also, this is the perfect time for a check-up to ensure your pets are free from parasites that may be harmful to the baby. Having a pet health care or wellness plan with Pets Best will be especially helpful since you will want to make sure your pet is up-do-date on all wellness needs.* This will lessen the chance you have to bring your pet to the veterinarian once the baby has arrived and things are hectic.
Preparing Your Pet For Behavioral Changes
Second, start working with your pet early on to minimize the risk of behavioral issues once your bundle of joy arrives. For example, address behaviors that may be a problem with a new baby such as jumping, nipping, any signs of aggressive behavior towards children, or negative reactions to loud noise. By acknowledging your pet’s existing behavior, you can work to minimize or curb these potentially troublesome habits before the baby comes home.
Set Boundaries for Your Pet: Preparing Your Pet For Life With A Toddler
Third, prepare the environment in advance so your naturally curious pet can sniff, investigate and become comfortable with all the new pink or blue furniture. If you plan on setting boundaries for your pet such as no sleeping on the baby bed, or no chewing on the baby toys, you need to start training early so your pet understands what is off limits. You may also consider practicing your new soon-to-be-daily routine with a doll so your pet can observe you, and perhaps get accustomed to sharing your previously undivided attention.
Love at First Site: Bringing The Baby Home
Despite the excitement of bringing home your baby, don’t overlook the need to consider how your pet will react. Of course, each pet is unique, and you should already have a good idea of how your pet responds to new situations based on the past as well as your pet’s age, general demeanor and overall health.
First and foremost, try to keep the first meeting calm for everyone. This will allow your pet to feel more comfortable and not respond to too much stimulation at once. So, keep overly-excited grandparents away during the first meeting between your babies. Second, don’t force the pet to interact with the baby. Let your pet get accustomed to the new member of the family as quickly or slowly as necessary. Third, always supervise your pet and your baby, especially during infancy because your pet may accidentally harm your baby.
Of course, not every first meeting between a baby and pet will be perfect, but be patient and try to enjoy each moment. Ensure your babies are safe, and let them get used to each other at their own pace.
Daily Life With The Baby
Pediatricians advise against letting pets sleep with babies for the same reasons that babies should not sleep with baby toys and blankets, which could accidentally block breathing. According to pediatricians, you should also discourage your pet from licking your baby, particularly around the eyes or mouth because a baby’s immune system is not fully developed.1
Always practice positive reinforcement when your pet properly interacts with the baby, and if your pet makes a mistake, try not to scold or punish your pet because you do not want your pet to associate negative reinforcement with the baby.
Every pet, every baby and every family are unique and there may be different ways to navigate this exciting and challenging time. Consult with your pediatrician and pet care specialist for advice, and consider a trainer or animal behaviorist if you spot any problems that you are unsure how to handle. As always, pay attention to your pet’s behavior because any significant change in behavior may be a sign that they are feeling stressed, jealous or hopefully overwhelmed with joy at being an older brother or sister.
* Terms and conditions apply, see policy for details.