There may be nothing more exciting than seeing your family grow by two legs, but in the excitement, we can’t forget about our babies with four. Here are a few tips and tricks to help your pets adjust to having a new baby in the house.
Plan for Routine
Routine? Is that even possible with a newborn? We know animals thrive on having a schedule. Ever have your dog wake you at 5:00 am instead of 6:00 when the time changes? They know when it’s meal time, when their walks are scheduled, or when it’s playtime. Anticipate your schedule with a newborn may change your flow and adjust your plans in advance. Who will be in charge of keeping the animal’s schedule? If you wish to start planning for a shifting schedule (read as: later mornings due to pulling an all nighter), you can start to shift your animal’s schedule accordingly. Small changes of 15 minutes over time will make for a seamless shift. Plan to make time to engage with your animal doing something they always loved to reduce jealousy once baby is born.
Gradual Changes
Gradual changes can help decrease an overwhelming experience when the new baby comes. You can bring out and set up the baby items you will use. A pack-and- play or swing set up a few weeks before will attract attention initially, but by the time baby arrives it will seem normal and familiar to your cat or dog. You can also start playing different noises a baby makes. Introduce the sounds of crying and cooing to help your furry friend get used to them before they are ever present.
Sent-sory Overload
With a new baby comes A LOT of new smells. A few weeks before baby is expected to arrive you can start using products you will use on the baby to help familiarize your cat or dog with the scents. Lotions, body washes, oils and laundry detergents are a few new products you may use.
Once baby is born, have someone bring a couple blankets to sniff or cuddle with. You can repeat this every day that you are away from the home. This still and quiet introduction to your baby’s scent can help create the connection before you bring baby home. If you have a homebirth and are keeping your animals out of the room, you can still do this same routine until you are ready for the face-to-face meeting.
Controlled Introductions
Once you bring the baby home it is a good idea to greet your fur baby alone. It will have been a few days since they saw you and your pup will be really excited to see you. This private greeting can keep them from them jumping up on the baby as well. If your cat is at all skittish, having a private greeting will help set them more at ease.
Since sudden jerking or moving can be painful in early postpartum plan to have a helper if your dog is prone to jumping. You know your animal best, some people feel more comfortable keeping their dog on a leash while meeting their new brother or sister for the first time, while others can be controlled with verbal commands.
Remember, animals sense our emotions more acutely than other humans. As long as you stay calm, your animals are sure to find their grove quickly. You will be a re-bonded family in no time. We’re here if you need help while you help your pets adjust to having a new baby in the house.
By: Angelina Miller
