Introducing Your Fur Baby to Your New Baby

Bringing your new baby home is an exciting time for your family, but it can also be a big adjustment for your pet. They may be confused about why there is a new little person in their space, and they may even feel jealous or threatened.

We’ve written up some tips on the important of a careful introduction so that everyone is happy!

Before Your Baby Comes Home

• Start by getting your pet used to the baby’s scent. You can do this by bringing home a blanket from the hospital that the baby has been wrapped in, or a little hat. Let your pet sniff the blanket and get familiar with the baby’s smell.

• If you have a dog, teach them basic obedience commands. This will help you to control their behavior around the baby, especially in the early days.

• Create a safe space for your pet. This could be a crate, a bed in a quiet corner of the house, or even a room that they can retreat to when they need some time alone.

When Your Baby Arrives

• Introduce your pet to the baby in neutral territory. This could be the living room or even the backyard. Keep your pet on a leash if possible.

• Allow your pet to sniff the baby from a distance. Once they seem comfortable, you can let them get closer.

• Supervise all interactions between your pet and the baby. Keep your pet on a leash or in your arms when they are near the baby.

• Give your pet plenty of praise and attention when they interact with the baby in a positive way. This will help them to associate the baby with good things.

Important Tips

• Take things slow. Don’t force your pet to interact with the baby if they are not ready.

• Be patient. It may take some time for your pet to adjust to the new addition to the family.

• Be consistent. Make sure that everyone in the household is on the same page when it comes to interacting with your pet and the baby.

• Don’t punish your pet if they have an accident. This will only make them more anxious and stressed.

• Seek professional help if needed. If you are having trouble introducing your pet to your baby, a certified professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist can help.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe Around Your Baby

• Never leave your pet and baby unsupervised. Even if your pet has been well-behaved around the baby in the past, supervision is a must, as all it takes is a moment for an accident to happen.

• Teach your baby to respect your pet. This includes not pulling on their tail, ears, or fur.

• Make sure that your pet’s toys and food are out of your baby’s reach.

• Keep your pet’s nails trimmed and their teeth clean. This will help to prevent any accidents.

• Take your pet to the vet for regular checkups. This will help to ensure that they are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Taking these tips and points on board, you can guarantee a smooth transition for your new little one and your fur baby!