Preparing your pet for a newborn

Bringing a newborn into a home with a pet can be an exciting but challenging experience. Pets, often considered family members, require proper preparation and adjustment to this major change. A successful introduction involves thoughtful planning to ensure both your baby and your pet feel comfortable and safe.

Preparing Your Pet for a Newborn

  1. Familiarize your pet with new sights, sounds, and smells
    — Before the baby arrives, it’s important to gradually introduce your pet to the changes that will come. Start by playing recordings of baby noises like crying or cooing so your pet can adjust to the sounds. Set up baby furniture, like a crib or changing table, so your pet becomes familiar with the new layout.
  2. Introduce new smells
    — Pets rely heavily on their sense of smell. Before bringing the baby home, allow your pet to smell items like baby lotion, clothes, or blankets. After your baby is born, consider having someone bring home a blanket or article of clothing the newborn has used to help your pet get accustomed to the baby’s scent.
  3. Reinforce good behavior
    — If your pet has any behavioral issues, like jumping on people or becoming anxious with loud noises, work on training them before the baby arrives. Basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” or “go to your bed” can be very helpful for managing interactions.
  4. Set boundaries early
    — Establish areas in the home that are off-limits to your pet, such as the nursery. If possible, start implementing these boundaries before the baby arrives, so the pet doesn’t associate the restrictions solely with the newborn.

Direct Contact Between Pets and a Newborn

When it comes to direct interactions between your pet and the newborn, it’s important to take things slowly.

Supervised introductions: The first interaction between your baby and pet should be calm and fully supervised. Let the pet approach the baby at their own pace while you offer reassuring words. Keep the environment peaceful to avoid startling your pet.

Limit contact initially: While it may be tempting to let your pet sniff or even lick the baby, limit close contact initially. Use a gentle, gradual approach and make sure the pet understands that the baby is part of the family.

Positive reinforcement: Reward your pet for calm behavior during interactions with the baby. Use treats and praise to create positive associations. This can help your pet understand that being around the baby is a good thing.

Avoid leaving pets and newborns alone: Never leave your pet alone with your newborn, even if your pet is well-behaved. Babies are vulnerable, and pets may act unpredictably in new situations. Supervision is key for ensuring safety.

Be mindful of pet jealousy

Signs of pet jealousy can be subtle or obvious, but here are some common behaviors to watch for:

  • Attention-seeking like excessive pawing, whining, or nudging for attention.
  • Aggression, for example growling, hissing, or snapping, especially when you’re interacting with the new baby or another pet.
  • Destructive behavior like chewing furniture, scratching walls, or knocking over objects to get noticed.
  • Changes in bathroom habits: accidents or marking territory indoors, even if your pet is house-trained.
  • Ignoring commands, for example acting defiant or deliberately ignoring previously learned commands.
  • Clinginess: following you more closely than usual or refusing to leave your side.
  • Depression: reduced energy, lack of interest in toys or activities, or hiding away.

These behaviors can signal that your pet is feeling insecure or left out and may need extra attention and reassurance during this adjustment period.