A new baby can bring mixed feelings for everyone.
Thrills and concerns are just a couple of the feelings that you may experience as your pets and new baby meet for the very first time. Your newborn will be also be an adjustment for your dog.
There are some simple steps that you can take to keep your baby safe, such as –
Prepare Your Pet for Change Before the Baby Comes
Your pets will see things changing around your home and more space being taken up by baby items, toys and more. Before the new baby arrives, take some extra time to spend with your pets.
Begin the process of getting your pets used to certain smells and blocked off areas of your home including the couch or babies room. Start introducing your dog to unfamiliar smells that might be concerning to them, like lotions, baby bottles, soaps or shampoos. Introducing these new scents early will help your pets not see the smells as threats later on when your new arrival comes home.
Allocate Pet and Baby-Friendly Zones
Your pets may be used to having most of the space around your home to themselves. Adding a newborn into their space and having areas blocked off from them may be hard to adjust to.
Begin by making some pet-friendly zones of the house for your pets to wander freely. Add a pet gate to make a space for your pet to enjoy and be alone away from your baby.
Do the same for your baby by building an area with their toys to give your baby a safe space to explore away from your pets. Give each of them enough attention in their segregated spaces — especially your pet so that they know that they are still loved.
Keep Your Pets Groomed and Healthy
Ensure that your fur babies visits the vet often for checkups and vaccines. Make sure to keep your pet well groomed, bathed and clean. Avoid sharp nails and excessive shedding around the baby. When at the veterinarian, perhaps ask if they have any other safety advice for your pet and their breed to that could help keep your baby safe.
Be Mindful When Your Pet and Baby are Together
A lot of new parents wonder ‘Should a newborn baby be around a dog?’
The answer is not always clear cut.
Your little one’s safety is most important. Some parents prefer to muzzle the dog and put other safeguards in place to minimize the risks of pets biting, scratching or licking. Teach your pets to keep a safe distance around the baby .
It takes only seconds pets to become agitated or play too rough with your baby. Make sure to never leave pets unattended with your baby. If you’re leaving the room, make sure to always bring the baby with you.
Lastly, remember not to force a bond between your pets and your baby. If your little one is scared, never force them to be near your pet. On the other side, if your pet is disinterested in your baby, leave them alone. Forcing the two to interact may cause tension and could create a dangerous saturation for your your little one.
Your Baby Watches How You Play With Your Pets
If you play rough with your pets by messing with their tail, ears or mouth, it may be time to play gentler with your pet while around your little one. Your child could copy this rough play and it might lead to a dangerous situation. Teach them gentle ways to interact with your pets and make sure to always be there when the interactions are taking place so you can spot any potential agitations from either side.
Safeguard Your Home
Last of all, as your little one becomes more mobile they’ll want to go exploring around your home. Be wary of doggy doors that can be crawled through or leaving out pet food that can be found and reached by your child. Pets can become jealous of these innocent actions and build tension. It may be time to reconsider some pet and baby habits to make them both comfortable.
