A baby is going to cause changes in the household routine and
lifestyle. Your pet will get used to the changes much easier if
a lot of them happen before the new baby arrives home. Cats,
dogs, and babies are beings of routine. They are all sensitive
to routine and change tends to upset them. If the changes
gradually happen before baby comes home then your pet probably
will not resent the baby since baby will not be associated with
the change in your pet’s view of the world.
During the weeks before you are due to have your baby, gradually
lessen the amount of time that you spend with your pet. If you
think the time of day that you walk, feed, and play with or
exercise your animal will change, modify those routines now
giving your pet time to adjust. Have you trained your dog to
commands like sit, stay, no, and heel? Does he obey you? Does he
have any aggressive tendencies? You may need a dog trainer’s
help before baby arrives to help make sure your dog knows you
are in charge.
If you have a cat, make sure the claws are routinely trimmed.
Trim your dog's claws too. Get another family member used to
cleaning the cat box. Have whoever changes it wear rubber gloves
and wash their hands thoroughly afterward. Follow these
precautions if you end up cleaning the litter box. Animals are
easily startled by the spontaneous actions and noises of
children. If your pets haven’t been around children much, have
your nieces and nephews over a few times or invite your friends
kids over to play some games and have lunch. Don’t let them
mistreat your pet, but let them be in the house so your pet gets
used to the noise of children.
You’ll be preparing for the new baby by buying various baby
items and setting up the baby bed. Let your pet smell these
items. This can help your animal get used to these items being
around. Never allow your pets to lie on your baby’s belongings
or get into the baby bed. If necessary keep the door closed to
the baby’s room.
Buy a container that seals to put the dirty diapers in so your
animals won’t get into the container. Unfortunately, they will
be attracted to the odor. Your cat or dog needs a place of his
or her own also. If you haven’t made that space in your house
yet, do it now before baby gets home. Teach your pet this is his
special spot by putting one of his toys there and giving him
bedding. He may need to get away from the baby and other
children sometimes and this should be off limits to children.
To get your pet familiar with baby noises you can play a CD of a
baby crying starting a few months before you have your baby. You
can rock in the rocking chair and turn on the mechanical swing
routinely ahead of time too. These small preparations can make
the changes positive and less stressful for your pet. And you
can also give him a treat or play with him as a reward for his
ability to adapt to his new family member.
About the author:
Maria Cummings is a devoted parent, wife and expert author on
family matters and parenting. She is devoted to helping
children's organizations and activities. Maria is the Sales
Manager for BustlingBaby.com which offers a variety of baby
products to help make parenting easier, from
Backpacks to
slings
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