Keeping Pets at Home: 5 Tips to Prepare for a Newborn Baby
Introducing pets to newborn can be challenging. Learn practical tips to help your pets adjust safely and peacefully to your baby’s arrival.
It is very likely that pets at home can already “sense” a new member who will soon join the family after seeing the mother’s belly grow more prominent. When introducing pets to newborn, it’s important to prepare them early so they can adjust smoothly. After all, most animals are mammals and also baby makers, and even when introducing pets to newborn, they may feel jealous because they have been the “baby” in your life until now. By carefully introducing pets to newborn, you can help your furry friends feel included and reduce stress for everyone.
Tips for preparing pets at home
To prevent pets at home, such as dogs, cats, and others, from becoming stressed when the baby comes home, here are some tips and guidance for parents.
Among them are:
#1. Introduce your pets to the sounds and smells of the baby
It is undeniable that newborns will often cry as a way to communicate with those around them to express discomfort, hunger, tiredness, or sadness.
In fact, these cries can be overwhelming for pets at home. Dogs and cats may become stressed, frustrated, and anxious.
To prevent this, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends introducing your pets to the baby’s sounds and scents early on.
They even suggest using recordings of baby sounds to help pets get accustomed to them in advance.
Rather than reacting with fear or surprise to sudden noises, pets who are familiar with these sounds will welcome the “new family member” more calmly.
“Pets will learn to anticipate attention and care,” explains the ASPCA.
#2. Pet care routines and responsibilities
Everything will change with the arrival of a newborn, including the lives of the parents and the pets in your home.
Daily walks may be reduced, routines will shift, and playtime may be affected because your focus will be on caring for the newborn.
The first few days after childbirth can be especially exhausting. Ask your partner or a close family member to temporarily take over pet care duties.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends adjusting your pet’s routine before the baby arrives to ensure feeding, playtime, and grooming are not neglected.
If no one is available to take care of them while you are on postpartum leave, consider placing your pet in a pet hotel.
#3. Establish new rules
Setting boundaries before the baby’s arrival is very important. Otherwise, your pets at home may become displeased or show signs of protest over your new excitement.
“If you don’t want your cat or dog on the furniture or bed after the baby arrives, introduce that restriction now,” says the ASPCA.
“If you don’t want your cat to jump on you while holding the newborn, start teaching your pet to keep all four paws on the floor.”
Additionally, if your pet is used to sleeping on the bed or in your room and you want that to change, it is important to start implementing the change as soon as possible.
#4. Bring home a blanket or clothing worn by your baby before coming home
One of the most popular and effective ways to introduce your “furry baby” to the newborn is by bringing home a blanket or the baby’s first outfit.
This helps your pet get accustomed to the baby’s scent before their first face-to-face meeting.
#5. Introduce your pet to the baby
After doing some preparation and choosing the right time, it is important to introduce the newborn gradually.
Once you and the baby return home, parents should formally introduce the dog or cat to their newest family member, but the ASPCA recommends waiting at least a few minutes.
The most important thing is to greet your cat or dog the same way as before.
This helps prevent your pet from being startled and reacting aggressively toward the baby.
Once you’ve had a calm initial meeting, you can welcome family and friends who may be visiting.
However, this first introduction should still be done slowly and carefully.
Always keep the newborn in your arms. Ask other family members to handle the dog (which should be leashed) or cat, and respect your pet’s boundaries.
Observe your pet’s reactions
If your pet seems irritated or anxious, give them some space and try again after a few days.
Always supervise every interaction between your pet and the baby. Even if everything seems fine, parents should never leave a newborn or young child alone with pets to prevent any accidents.
Monitor each interaction, intervene when necessary, and give your cat or dog space.
Forcing interactions can be harmful and may lead to scratches or bites. The AKC also recommends keeping your dog on a short leash, at least for the first few days, when first introducing them to the baby.
In conclusion, caring for a newborn and pets at home can be challenging during the first few days.
But with some preparation and plenty of patience, you’ll find that there is room in your home (and heart) for both your four-legged friend and your adorable newborn.
Hope this helps!
Originally published on theAsianparent Malaysia