Flag as Not Acceptable?
We review flagged content and enforce our Terms of Use, in which content must never be:
- Profane or sexually explicit
- Disrespectful or abusive
- Infringing of copyright
Parentpedia
Introducing Pets and New Babies
What Experts Say
Introducing your new baby to your pet can start well before you bring the baby home.
When it comes to dogs and cats, it's all about the scent. As often as you can before you arrive home with your newborn, have Dad bring home a bootie, undershirt, or blanket your baby has worn in the hospital so that your pet can give it a sniff or two. This will give your dog or cat a head's up on the tiny creature that's about to join the pack.
Once you're ready to bring your baby home, have Dad carry the infant inside into another room so that Mom is freed up to give her undivided attention to the pet when she walks in the door. Since she's been away for a few days, your pet will be looking for some love and affection from her.
"Plan on having at least 5 to 10 minutes of quiet, interactive, bonding time. Then, when you're ready to introduce your pet to your new baby, offer a toe, never the head, for the pet to sniff or inspect," says Jessica Auster-Levy, a personal pet trainer and owner of It's Training Cats and Dogs, based in Montclair, N.J.
However, she recommends that you not force your cat or dog to inspect the baby if your pet's not interested. After all, now that the entire family is reunited, there'll be plenty of chances to try again later.
Safety Notes
- Pets should never be allowed to be on the bed or into the crib because they could injure or suffocate your baby.
- Use safety gates to keep pets away from the room where your child sleeps. Since your pet can still see and hear, he'll still feel connected to the family.
- If you have a cat, buy a net designed for cribs to keep your cats out when the baby is in.
- Double-stick tape on the changing table and other baby furniture will discourage smaller pets, like cats, from jumping up.
- According to the Humane Society of America, give your pet regular nail trims, which will help avoid scratches.
- If your baby does get scratched, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment such as bacitracin. Also, notify your pediatrician so that she can determine if additional treatment or care is needed.
- Get a routine exam for your pet and make sure all vaccinations are up to date.
ParentPedia contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of ParentPedia, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.
The contents of ParentPedia are intended for educational purposes only. Such contents are not intended to, and do not, constitute medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on information presented on ParentPedia is at your own risk.
Thank You!
Thank you for helping us maintain a friendly, high quality community at Family.com. This comment will be reviewed by a community moderator.
