15 Aug Introducing Pets to Babies
Introducing pets to babies is something that needs thought, planning and a little orchestration to make sure that very important meeting is a success. The moment when parents bring a baby home is one of the great joys in a family’s life. But it can be a tricky time for the family pet. Introducing a new permanent fixture into a pet’s life — one who has an unfamiliar smell, makes erratic movements and emits squawking sounds — can make four-legged family members anxious. “Babies aren’t just stressful for parents, they are also very stressful for pets,” said Dr. Yaron Schmid, veterinarian and director of shelter medicine at the New York Humane Society.
The Gist
- To set up the situation for a successful outcome, lay the groundwork with pets before baby comes home: Take care of veterinarian check-ups, get them used to the nursery and target problematic behaviors like jumping.
- That old baby blanket trick — giving your pet a sniff of the baby blanket before he meets the actual baby — isn’t a cure-all.
- Allow the pet to greet the mother first, and make sure the baby and pet meet on neutral territory — on the sidewalk in front of the house, for example.
- Make special time for your pet. Set a timer for five minutes to do one of your dog’s favorite activities, even if that’s just snuggling on the couch.
Here’s everything you need to do to make sure that introducing pets to babies is successful, keeping everyone safe and happy: Read the full article from the NYTimes.