The Best Guide To Adapting Your Pets To Your Newborn (Pets and Infants)

How can I get the puppy to adapt to my baby? Should I also get my mom’s pet to adapt to my baby since my daughter will be spending a lot of time at her house too? Could pets and infants co-exist? If you have asked yourself one of these questions before, this post is for you!

Best Guide To Adapting Your Pets To Your Newborn (Pets and Infants)

Congratulations and welcome to motherhood! If this is your first baby you could be experiencing several emotions all at once. I know when I finally found out that I was pregnant I was shocked (even after planning and trying with my husband) and super excited. I guess it was because I received the news when I wasn’t expecting it plus I took several pregnancy tests and had a negative reading several times. But, overall My Husband and I, was overwhelmed with joy.

As my pregnancy began to move forward, I had the biggest want to buy a puppy to grow up with our baby girl. I grew up with pets and felt it was necessary to have my daughter experience the same. Plus, how cute would it be to watch the baby and the puppy play together and do cute things like help each other move around and even nap together. The idea was super lovely, but then the worries of both the baby’s and the puppy’s safety entered my mind! How can I get the puppy to adapt to my baby? Should I also get my mom’s pet to adapt to my baby since my daughter will be spending a lot of time at her house too? Could pets and infants co-exist?

The questions were endless but I knew the power of Google (I mean research 😉 lol) was stronger. So I instantly grabbed my computer and start searching and I even took a trip to talk to the local veterinarian about my concerns. The information I received was way too good not to share, so BAM, I created this amazing blog post to help other mommies to be on this subject.

What is co-existing and how does it work with pets and infants?

• Coexisting is when two or more subjects exist at the same time or in the same place. Coexisting can also be defined, (when in terms of people and nations) as living with mutual understanding regardless of different beliefs and interests.
• Pets and Infants, coexisting together?! Before you throw the idea out the window, please know that pets and infants can coexist, it is possible. You might be thinking, How Kayla? How? Well, let me tell you then since you are so eager to know. 🙂

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5+ Steps To Get Your Pet(s) Well Adapted With Your Newborn Baby

Just like humans, animals typically react to change with stress. If your pet gets stressed, then you can expect them to start acting out. Dogs & cats may attack if not properly adjusted to the baby and the new changes that come with the baby. Proper preparations can save the day! Halfway in your pregnancy is a great starting point for preparing your pet for your baby’s arrival (if you are beyond half, don’t stress. Any preparation before the baby can help).

Note: Don’t think you can hide your baby away from your pet. Your pet already knows you are pregnant and probably knew before you did.

1) Your Pets Are Talking To You- Are You Listening?

Pay close attention to your pet and identify their cues and behaviors in their different moods. Let their body language do all the talking for you.

For Dogs: they speak with their ears, teeth, eyes, paws, tails, and even may flare up (their ears, eyes, and tails are the most important to note). They may wag their tail and or have their ears up high when they are excited and happy. On the other hand, they may have their tails tucked in, ears down, and eyes are moving side to side when they are concerned and or scared.

For Cats: they speak with their ears, tail, eyes, back arch, and purring. When they have their back arched, they could either be ready to fight or flee away. If they are purring, this could be a sign of nervousness or happiness.

2) Create No Pet Zone

Start creating and identifying your pet-free zones in your place. If you are changing a room that the dog uses to be able to be in into the baby nursery, start training the dog now not to go inside that room before the baby comes.

3) Develop No Baby Zone

Make a baby-free zone for your pet so that they have a place to run to when they feel overwhelmed by the baby. Use the dog’s favorite bed and or cat tree in this zone and keep all baby items out and away from this zone.

4) Invest in Your Pet

You might want to invest in some stress-free treats, beds, and cat trees to give your pet the most comfort.

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5) Appeal to Your Pet’s Senses

• Get your pets to get accustomed to a baby being around by simulating an environment with the newborn baby.
  • Hearing: Go on Youtube and play crying baby noises during different time frames throughout the day (this can also help you and your partner get adapted to the sounds of a baby crying as well).
  • Sight: Walk around with a baby doll in your hands and act like its the baby.
    • Take note if your pet jumps at you or not. If your pet jumps, start teaching them that it’s a bad habit.
    • Have your partner or a family member crawl on the floor to imitate the baby at 6 to 8 months. I know it sounds weird and silly but trusts me it will work.
  • Smell: When the baby is born, have a family member take an article of clothing from the baby and bring it to your pet dog and let them smell it. Or, you can also try to put the baby’s lotion or baby powder on your arm and allow your dog to sniff it.

6) Establish Basic Obienence Skills

• Train your dog that jumping is an unwanted behavior and can be dangerous for the baby.
  • When the dog jumps at you when you come home, annoy it (ensure everyone does this to the dog). Eventually, the dog will no longer jump up on you.
• If your dog knows the basic skills of sitting down and go away from certain things, this can be a plus for you. When you have the baby in your hands, you won’t have to worry about your dog jumping on your leg and knocking you over.
• If your pet performs good behaviors you should reward them. When they perform bad behaviors you should punish them.

Tips for Success in Positive and Negative Reinforcement

• 
Identify the good behaviors from the bad behaviors by rewarding your pet when they do good and punishing them when they do bad.
• Positive reinforcement has a great effect than negative reinforcement. So, the more positive reinforcement the better.
• Use the pet’s favorite treat and or toys to reward them for good behaviors.
• Don’t spoil your pets because you feel guilty knowing that when the baby arrives, your pet will receive less attention. If you spoil your pet, and you can’t manage that after the arrival of your baby, the dog will associate it with the baby.

Common Questions/FAQ About Pets and Infants


Can I have a dog around a newborn?

• Yes, you can have a dog around your newborn just make sure that your dog is trained and you’re supervising the interactions. Also, ensure that your dog has already had their annual visit to the vet and had their poop checked out for worms.

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Should I get a dog before having a baby?

• Adding a dog to your family can require a huge commitment of time and resources. If you are a new parent, it is not advisable to get a dog until your baby turns 3 years old.
  • But if you can handle managing “two babies” at once, then go for it.

Will, my dog hurt my baby?

• Without proper training and basic obedience skills, your dog can possibly hurt your baby.
  • Hire a dog trainer or a veterinarian behaviorist to help train your dog.

Why is having a pet beneficial?

• Having a pet can help establish responsibilities for your kids when they are at the right age. Research has also shown that kids who grow up with a dog around have stronger immune systems and are less likely to be allergic to animals later on.

What to do if my dog starts being aggressive towards baby?

• Please ensure you are not forcing interactions from your dog towards your baby. Animals give you many signs before they result in biting. Do not annoy the signs. If the dog starts to be aggressive try to have the dog go to their baby free zone and train them not to be aggressive towards the baby. You can always call in a professional if you feel overwhelmed with training your dog.


Are dogs bad for babies’ health?

• It has been discovered that compared to kids in pet-free homes, kids in homes with dogs: Had fewer respiratory tract symptoms or infections.


The Last Thing You Need to Know About Pets and Infants

• Every animal is different. Learn your pet’s behaviors to better help adapt them to the baby.
• Seek out professional help by asking your veterinarian what the best way and plan to help your pet adapt.
• Please share this post on Pinterest and Facebook. Comment below with your questions, concerns, and or experiences with pets and infants.

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• 30 Pregnancy Affirmations To Help You Through Your Pregnancy
• The Best Products to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
• 10 Reasons Why Every Mom to Be Needs An Amazon Baby Registry
• The Best Guide To Adapting Your Pets To Your Newborn (Pets and Infants)
• A Cheat Sheet to Having a Mermaid Themed Baby Shower
• The Beginner’s Guide to Surviving as a New Mom

Looking into becoming a SAHM, check out these blog posts below:

• The Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Stay At Home Mom
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• 10 Best Stay At Home Mom Tips to Staying Active