How to Introduce Your New Baby to Your Pets: Tips for Calgary Moms

Bringing a new baby home is an exciting and life-changing event, not just for you, but also for your pets, so it's not surprising that cats and dogs can feel confused or anxious about this significant change, just like people.

Understanding your pet's psychology and taking proactive steps can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the household. At Bump Prenatal and Postnatal Wellness in Calgary, I understand the importance of making this adjustment as stress-free as possible for all family members, including the furry ones!

How to help your pets adapt to your new baby

Here's some simple advice on how to help your pets adjust to the arrival of your new baby.

Although we may treat our pets like they are people, they actually have very different psychology. It can be useful to understand the psychology of cats and dogs when working out how to help your pets adapt to your new baby.

Cats

Cats are creatures of habit and can be very sensitive to changes in their environment. They may:

• Feel Stressed: Changes in routine, new smells, and unfamiliar sounds can make cats anxious.

• Seek Comfort: They might cling to their favorite spots or become more affectionate to seek reassurance.

• Show Behavior Changes: Some cats may hide or become more aloof, while others might become more vocal or show signs of stress, such as over-grooming.

Dogs

Dogs are social animals and often look to their human family for cues. They may:

• Feel Jealous: Dogs can feel left out or jealous of the attention the new baby receives.

• Become Protective: They might become overly protective of the baby or family members.

• Show Signs of Anxiety: Changes in routine and new additions to the family can lead to anxiety, causing behaviors such as barking, whining, or destructive actions.

Introducing Your Baby to Your Pets

Getting the introduction of your baby to your pets right is crucial. Here's what we suggest at Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness in Calgary:

Before the Baby Arrives

• Gradual Preparation: Start by slowly introducing changes to your pets’ environment. Set up the baby’s room and let your pets explore it. Play recordings of baby sounds to get them used to the new noises.

• Training: Reinforce basic commands for dogs, such as "sit," "stay," and "gentle." Reward good behavior to build positive associations.

First Introduction

• Calm Environment: Ensure the initial introduction takes place in a calm and controlled setting. Both you and your pets should be relaxed.

• Short and Sweet: Keep the first meeting brief. Let your pet sniff the baby from a distance and reward them with treats and praise for calm behavior.

• Supervision: Always supervise interactions closely. Never leave your baby alone with your pets, especially during the initial stages of their relationship.

Keeping Baby and Pets Safe

There are many "old wives tales" about certain breeds of dogs being very careful around babies or young children. It's important to remember that every dog (and cat) is different and that babies and young children are unable to "read" a pet's body language. A "nip" from a dog can be devastating for a baby, so it's important to ensure that both your baby and pets are kept safe.

Safe Spaces

• Separate Areas: Create separate areas for your pets and your baby. Use baby gates or closed doors to keep them apart when necessary.

• Pet Retreats: Ensure your pets have a quiet place to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.

Hygiene

• Cleanliness: Keep baby items clean and free from pet hair. Wash your hands after handling pets, especially before touching the baby.

• Pet Health: Ensure your pets are up-to-date with vaccinations and flea/tick treatments to minimize health risks.

Interaction Rules

• Gentle Touch: Teach your baby to be gentle with pets as they grow. Show them how to pet softly and respect the pet’s space.

• Monitoring: Continue to supervise all interactions. Even the friendliest pets can react unpredictably.

Whether Pets Should Be Left Alone with the Baby

As a general rule, pets should not be left alone with your baby. No matter how well-behaved your pets are, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of both your baby and your pets. Unsupervised interactions can lead to accidents or misunderstandings that could have been prevented with proper supervision.

Top Tips for Easing the Transition for Pets

1. Maintain Routine

• Consistency: Keep feeding, walking, and playtime schedules as consistent as possible. Familiar routines can provide comfort to your pets.

2. Gradual Changes

• Slow Adjustments: Introduce new baby items and changes in the household gradually to give your pets time to adjust.

3. Positive Reinforcement

• Rewards: Use treats and praise to reward your pets for calm and positive behavior around the baby. This builds positive associations with the new family member.

4. Quality Time

• Attention: Spend quality time with your pets each day. This helps them feel valued and reduces feelings of jealousy or neglect.

5. Professional Help

• Consult your vet or a behavioural expert if your pets show signs of severe anxiety or behavioral issues.

How Robyn and Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness Can Help

At Bump Prenatal and Postnatal Wellness in Calgary, I offer comprehensive prenatal and postpartum wellness services to support you and your family through these exciting changes. From prenatal massage to postpartum doula services , my expert guidance ensures a smooth transition for everyone involved, including your beloved pets.

If you found this blog helpful, share it with other expecting or new parents who might benefit from these tips. For more advice and support, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Robyn, at Bump Prenatal and Postnatal Wellness in Calgary.