How to Introduce your Pet to your Baby

Authored by James Horner

A topic close to my heart in recent months, was how to introduce my new baby to her furry siblings.  My wife and I were worried how our chaps (cats – Hamish and Eric) and our Princess (dog – Darcy) would react to the wailing ball of baby that was to come into our home!  This concern isn’t unique so we thought we would put together 10 tips to help the transition. As always, every household is different, and our advice is general. If you are wanting more information, then please book in a consult or consult a behaviourist who can refine your approach.

Tip 1: Start changes early!

There are 9 months before baby arrives to being the transition. 

At this early stage it is important to establish boundaries for your pet's access to certain areas, such as the nursery or changing table, to create a safe space for your baby, and reduce stress in your pet post arrival. Other example steps can be to introduce any new furniture, baby equipment, or scents to help acclimatise your pet to the new environment.

Tip 2: Reinforce obedience training:

This isn’t just for dogs, cats can be trained too (they are just much harder…!!).  Whilst more applicable to dogs, ensuring the commands “sit”, “stay” and “leave it” are learnt or relearnt.  It will help you maintain boundaries at a distance should your hands be full with baby, nappy, bottle…..

Tip 3: Make changes gradually

The arrival of your baby will hit like a hurricane, and whilst this can’t be done gradually, the other elements can be made over time. Expected events can be brought in, such as baby noises, can be introduced by means of YouTube, Spotify or other music services. This helps reduce the stress/barking response that, in my experience, leads to much frustration as our little one is woken from her sleep….!!!

Tip 4: Don’t forget me!

Your pets will feel left out. Sadly this is very often the case in early baby experience.  This feeling will be amplified if your home is going from no baby to one baby.  Your pets will not be used to sharing your attention with anything, let alone potentially being completely ignored.  With this, decide on a routine that will allow you to give individual time to all pets at some point.  My wife allows me a long walk and a cuddle with my dog once our girl is asleep, whilst she uses the same time to lavish attention on the cats.   It does help, but the pets will still wish for a pre-baby parent!!

Tip 5: Controlled introductions

When the time comes for the first face-to-face introduction, do make sure it is in a controlled and calm environment.  It is often worthwhile to have your pets kenneled, or cared for away from home when your little child arrives.  Not only is it hard enough to care for a baby, the extra benefit is that you are able to control the first meeting.  General advice would be to have another adult present to help manage the situation and try and burn off some energy in your pet before the introduction. For a dog, take them on a walk to release excess energy before the meeting. For a cat, engage in playtime to help them feel more relaxed.

Tip 6: Reinforce the behaviour you want!

Positive reinforcement: Reward good behaviour from your pet during the introductions. Use treats, praise, and affection to create positive associations between your baby and your pet.

Tip 7: Always be Present

It seems an obvious one, but when sleep deprivation hits it can slip your mind.  A quick nip out the room here or there could be risky. When introducing babies and pets, it is important to ensure supervised interaction. We advocate avoiding leaving them alone together until you are confident in their interactions and the pet's behaviour.

Tip 8: Establish Boundaries and be consistent

Having started early, these boundaries shouldn’t be a surprise to your pet. No cats in the cot, no dogs under the table at eating are all boundaries we started when the arrival was known.  Keep the consistency present so, even when all seems well, don’t be tempted to relax the restrictions as it will give mixed messages to your pets and they will become confused.

Tip 9: Have a safe space for your pet too

Often neglected is a place for your pet to retreat to.  Sometimes the stimulation your baby provides can be too much and a place your cat/dog can call their own is important. Dogs like their own basket, whilst cats love a place up high (or our bed…!).   This becomes helpful in the future when teaching your toddler not to approach your pet when they are in their safe space, and helps both babies and pets to develop a respect they deserve as they grow.

Tip 10: Watch the body language!

Cats and dogs communicate fully through body language with some punctuation with vocalisation (miaow and barking!).  Watch them closely to check for any signs of anxiety or stress as your baby won’t know what is normal.  If you see symptoms of stress then then try to minimise the events occurring, but always be willing to reach out for help from a behaviourist or us.

Summary

A baby is an enormous change to everyone’s life. It is rewarding to watch your pets accept your children into their lives, but always remember that every pet is unique and the introduction will take a different path.  Seek out help if needed and remember, taking steps early will help your pet will help them grow up the best of friends!