Babies and Pets - How to Introduce, Safety and Tips

A pet makes life beautiful, so does a baby. Both love us unconditionally, depend on us for everything, and follow our ways and means. So, can they both co-exist? Can you have pets and babies under the same roof? The school of thought on this is split right in the middle. There are many who feel pets should not be in the same house as newborn babies, while there are many others who feel it’s so much better for a baby to grow around pets.

Video of Child Safety While Playing

Prepare Your Pets for the New Baby

So, where do you start? Start with the pet. They are already in your life and in your house. Your pet is used to living a certain way and having all the attention and space to themselves. Now, with a new baby coming, their world as they know will come to an end. It will be a new beginning for them.

You must prepare them for the new life so that they are more composed and adjust better after the baby arrives. Here are some ideas:

1. Create Space

Create a space for your pet. Yes, we know your pet already has their space in the house. But once the baby comes, they cannot roam around everywhere all the time. Create a separate space exclusively for your pet.

This can be the space they relax in, sleep in, or go to when they need their downtime. Customize this with their favorite things. You can use their favorite toys or objects around the house. If they like a particular rug, use it here. Buy them a big new basket or a new rug and tell them it’s theirs.

It will take time, but they will catch up. They will soon learn they have a “space” for themselves, and this is where they need to be when they are told to go to their spot.

2. Create Boundaries

Just like you created a space for them, create boundaries they cannot cross. Yes, it may sound harsh, but you need to create boundaries for your furry little friend. They need to understand certain places are off-limits like –

The bed the baby will be sleeping on (per hair can be dangerous for a newborn).
The place where baby’s toys will be kept (it is not advisable to have your pet and newborn play with the same toys as both will put things into their mouths).
The place where you will be storing baby’s food or medicines (you can set aside a closed box or a basket to keep the baby’s formula, medicines, etc.).
The baby’s cupboard or diaper bag (diapers can be a very tempting toy for dogs).

When you slowly enforce these boundaries well before the baby arrives, it will be a gradual change for your pet. They will understand what all are off-limits before the baby arrives.

This gives you room to introduce new boundaries after the baby arrives if needed. It will be less stressful for you too.

3. Use Props

Now, you cannot hand over your newborn to your pet and teach them how to be careful. Use props instead. If you already have a crib, put a doll in it. Teach your pet to not touch it or disturb it when the doll is asleep.

You can use the dolls that cry too. This way, if your pet were to grab the doll, it will start making baby cry noises, and this can either scare your pet or teach them. Either way, they will learn to not disturb a sleeping baby.

You can slowly use the same doll in other parts of the house. You can use a bassinet, the changing table, pram, etc. Also you can get creative and use the dolls around the house in places where you expect to have the baby in.

You can also teach your pet to play with the doll, provided you are ok with the pet playing with the baby. Many parents are ready to take this step while some are not. As a Parent, you choose what is best for you and your family.

You can do the same with baby items too. You are bound to leave these baby things around the house after the baby arrives. It is better to teach your pet, ahead.

4. Teach New Commands

Pets can be great around babies if they are shown the way. You have taught your pet many things and they have been receptive to you. It won’t be long before they learn these new commands too.

Teach them to pick up the baby’s shoes, blanket, etc. You can teach them to close the door gently.

5. Talk

Talk to your furry friend and keep telling them about the baby. You can use the term frequently to get them accustomed to it.

This may sound silly, but pets understand us. They have the ability to feel our emotions. When you keep talking to them about the baby, it can help.

Implement a New Pet Routine Around the Baby

Once the baby arrives, your life will change in many ways. You won’t be following your current routine. You will have to make adjustments in almost every part of your day. This can be very unsettling for your pet if they are not prepared for it.

Talk to your partner and chart out a new routine. Decide who will walk the dog, when etc. Your walks and playtime will see the biggest changes, while meal timings can continue.

Also, come up with a bedtime routine. You can switch off or dim down the lights to show your pet it’s bedtime and they should be quiet. This can help you get the baby to bed without any disturbance.

Start following the new routine so that your pet has enough time to get used to it. With a new baby, routines can go out the door, but it is always a good idea to be prepared.

7 Steps to Help Your Pet and Baby Bond Safely

When it is finally time to bring the baby home, you would be filled with anxiety. You will be starting a new life and your pet should cooperate. We understand it can cause a lot of stress, especially in a new mother whose hormones are already fluctuating heavily.

Here are a few things you should do, to ensure your pet adjusts well to the baby:

Let your pet smell and see the baby. Do not keep them away from the baby. They might get tempted to pull the bedding or crib when you are not around. Let them sniff, investigate, and do all that they please to assure themselves that the baby is “safe”. Once pets feel safe, they won’t harm the baby.
Ensure that you continue with the new routine you created for your pet. This will show them the baby will not take over completely and you will still have time for your pet. This will reduce their insecurities.
Try your best to spend quality time with your pets. You and your partner can take turns. A newborn may cry all night but apart from that will not take up much of your time or energy in the initial days. Use this time to spend with your pets, so that they go easy on you when the baby starts demanding all your time.
Do not yell or punish your pet for making noise. They do not understand the importance of silence like you parents. It is in their nature to not care about noise. Be gentle and teach them to be quiet.
Let them sniff or be around the baby when you are around. This will get both the baby and the pet accustomed to each other. The baby’s immunity towards your pet will also develop.
If your dog sheds a lot, ensure you clean up the surfaces well, especially if you put the baby on those surfaces. Pet hairs can be unsafe for newborns.
If you feel your baby is having allergic reactions to your pet, keep them apart. Reduce the space between them slowly, after a few days. You can also check with your doctor to ensure it is ok to let them get close.

[Read : Dog Allergies In Babies]

Dos and Don’ts With Pets and Babies

As babies grow around pets, they are fearless and curious. They love the pet as much as you do, and it is a part of their life.

Here are some things you can do:

Let them play together under your supervision. This helps you set boundaries for both the baby and the pet.
Do not let your baby hurt your pet. Teach them to be soft and gentle. Babies tend to grab and pinch dogs and cats, as their grips get stronger. You will have to step in and ensure your pet is not hurt.
Don’t ill-treat your pet in front of the baby. This is what they will learn too. They will learn to ill-treat and be harsh with the pets, which is not a healthy habit.

Pros and Cons of Having a Pet Around Your Baby

Pets and babies both are adorable additions to your family. the bond and love that they share are comparable to sibling love. Still, everything is not rosy. Having a pet and a baby in the same house comes with a unique set of problems. We list the advantages and disadvantages of having a pet around your baby.

Pros of Having a Pet

Some of the advantages of having a pet when you have a baby are:

Baby’s immunity develops as their interaction with the pets increase.
You will have an extra bodyguard for the baby (ask people with pets and newborns and they will tell you how their dog always guards the baby).
Your baby will have a companion to play with.

Cons of Having a Pet

Some of the issues you might run into by having pets when you have a baby are

Your pet might hurt the baby unintentionally.
Animal instinct can kick in and they could bite back when baby troubles them.
Pets might get into baby things which are not safe for the baby.
Pet hairs can cause allergies or respiratory issues in newborns.

[Read : Is Your Baby Safe Around Your Pet Cat?]

What to do if Your Baby is Bit?

This is not something a new parent wants to think about, but if you have a pet at home, you must consider this possibility. Someday, your pet might bite your little one. It could be unintentional or even while playing. Babies are soft and tender, and your pet’s teeth are not.

If this ever happens, rush your baby to the hospital or your doctor immediately. Get the bite taken care of and ensure the safety of your baby first.

Once you get back home, address your pet, and express your disappointment in them. You might have to:

Keep them out of the baby’s room.
Reduce or remove all interactions between them.
Keep your pet outside the house in the yard, etc.
If you fear this repeating, you might have to send your dog away, at least for a little while. You can consider a relative or a friend they are used to.

If it was a small innocent bite and you are confident it won’t happen again, you can slowly re-introduce your baby to the pet. You can monitor them closely until things get better and safer.

When Should You Consider Taking Your Baby to Your Doctor?

If your baby has been bitten or hurt by your pet, we would recommend you consult a doctor right away. It may seem harmless but even a tiny scratch, left unattended can turn serious.

Please remember, a baby’s immunity is very different from that of adults. What you can take with regards to your pet, is not what your baby can endure. They are very fragile and weak.

Let your doctor inspect and ensure the baby is not in any harm.

If your dog has just bumped into your standing baby, making them fall; wait till your baby is up and giggling away. They will be fine in most cases. It is the parent’s heart rate that won’t.

[Read : How to Increase Immunity in Babies?]

Five Top Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe Around the Pets

Here are five tips to keep your infant safe around your pet:

Never leave them unsupervised. Even if you are in the kitchen or on your computer sending out a quick mail, keep the baby in your line of vision. This way, you can react immediately, if something were to happen.
Never let your baby harm the pet. Pets may be quiet, but it is not wise to let your baby test the limits.
Keep the pet away from your baby’s beddings. Pet hairs can be hazardous for young babies.
Do not let your dog run around too fast around a small baby. Playing catch or just running with them, when the baby is nearby, is not a good idea.
Teach your pets clear boundaries. These should include baby, baby’s thing, and baby’s space.

Pets and babies can make your life wonderful and complete in many ways. All you need to do is find that perfect balance. It works for some and for some, it doesn’t. If it doesn’t work for you, you need to just accept it and do what is right for your situation.

FAQ’s

1. Is My Dog’s Breed Important When I Have a Baby?

No, it is not. Though some breeds are known to be more ferocious than others, when they are a tamed pet, it hardly matters. Do not send your dog away just because they do not fit into the breeds, some random person specified. You know your dog better than anyone else.

2. Can My Pet Lick the Baby?

No, it is not a good idea. It is unhygienic and can result in many skin issues for the baby. Pets can get many things into their mouths too and you don’t want that reaching your baby.

3. Can I Let My Baby Hug the Cat and Sleep?

It is not ideal. Babies love to cuddle, but pet hairs can get into their noses resulting in allergies. Pets carry a lot of germs and bugs too. Your baby’s immunity is still immature.

4. Can I Let My Pet Share the Baby’s Food?

No, do not encourage this. This can cause your pet to gobble up all your baby’s food when you are not watching. Your baby might think it is ok to eat your pet’s food, which can be dangerous.

Babies and Pets – How to Introduce, Safety and Tips

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