Everyone’s reactions to a new family member may be conflicted. You could experience a variety of emotions as your dog and newborn meet for the first time, including excitement and worry. Your pet will also need to adjust as a result of your baby. You can take a few steps to protect your child.
Prepare Your Pet for Change Before the Birth
Your pet will observe certain changes done around the house as well as an increase in the space occupied by baby gear. Before the new baby is born, take advantage of the opportunity to spend extra time with your pet, just like you would with an only child.
Begin introducing your pup to particular scents and forbidden areas of the house, such as the couch or nursery. Introduce kids to scents that they could find disturbing, such those of shampoo, detergent, lotion, or bottles. When your baby reaches home, early exposure to the smells will help them not interpret them as threats.
Establish Pet-Friendly and Baby-Friendly Areas Around Your Home
Keep in mind that your pet might be accustomed to living alone in your house. It might be different to introduce a newborn into their domain and impose new limitations on them. Create a few pet-friendly places in your home so your pet can explore them with their favorite toys. Install a pet fence to separate the area so your pet can enjoy it and the baby is kept out of it so your pet has space to be themselves without being concerned about the baby.
Create a spot with their toys and rockers for your newborn to have a safe place to play and crawl away from your pet. Do the same for your infant. And make sure to offer your pet specific attention in his or her area so that they will always feel included and cherished.
Make sure areas around the home are safe
Last but not least, as your child grows more active, they will want to explore other parts of the house. Be careful not to leave pet food out where your baby may readily access it or have dog entrances that are easy for your baby to crawl through. These simple, innocent behaviors could easily incite jealousy in your pet and lead to conflict. To make both pets and babies comfortable, it might be time to reevaluate some routines.
- If you have two babies, you might want to think about installing baby safety gates in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
- Keep your valuables, household items, and other dangers away from children. Both minor spills and tiny, sharp items can be harmful.
- Secure furniture that may be a hazard for your baby, including side tables, lamps, and shelves, to prevent your pet or young child from quickly tipping it over.
- To prevent any electrical risks and fires, cover outlets and conceal cords. Consider these babysafe eletrical products.
Make Your Pet’s Health A Priority
For a healthy pet, make sure your furry baby visits the vet frequently for checkups, injections, and vaccines. Additionally, it’s critical to maintain your pet’s grooming to prevent jagged nails and excessive hair loss close to the infant. Ask the veterinarian for further safety advice tailored to your pet’s breed and to keep your child safe while you’re there.
When your baby and pet are together, use caution.
Can a newborn be near a dog? is a question that many parents have. Sometimes the answer is not obvious. It is crucial that your baby is safe around your pet. Some households favor the use of muzzles and other safety measures to lower the possibility of your pet biting or licking your child. However, keep in mind that animals can also display anger by jumping or swatting. Teach your pet to stay away from the baby when the child is present.
Your pet could become irritated or play too roughly with your child in a matter of seconds. Never, under any circumstances, leave your baby alone with your pet. Always take the infant with you when leaving the room.
Finally, keep in mind that you shouldn’t force your pet and infant into a relationship. Do not force your baby to be near your pet if they are afraid. Leave your pet alone if they show little interest in the new item. Forcing the two to interact might lead to hostility, tension, and danger for your infant.
Be mindful of how you act with your pet around your child
If you play rough with your pet by tampering with their tail, ears, or mouth, it might be time to look for alternative pastimes. This conduct might be imitated by your child, and it might not be as friendly coming from your infant. Teach children respectful methods to communicate with your pet, and always keep an eye on them so you can spot any warning signs right away.