Preparing Pets for Baby's Arrival

For people without children, their pets are their babies. So it’s understandable that an animal’s world is turned upside down when their parents are suddenly so consumed with this new loud helpless creature.
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In planning for your postpartum period, remember to include other family members in the preparations, including pets! Here are some ways that I recommend preparing pets (specifically cats and dogs) for baby’s arrival:
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Bring a baby blanket home from hospital beforehand
Animals are all about scent, so the sooner you can introduce baby via scent, the better the transition will be. Bringing a blanket home for pets to sniff and get comfortable with means that they will already have some familiarity and baby won’t be a total stranger when they are introduced.

Play recordings of babies crying
Besides the difference in attention they’re getting from you, the next biggest adjustment for your animals will be the new (loud) sounds. Again, you’re giving them some familiarity with the situation before you’re in the thick of it.

Setup baby’s space and toys
Making changes over a period of time rather than all at once is always helpful during a transition. If pets won’t be allowed in baby’s space, start training them early so they know the rules going in.

Setup baby-free space for them
Change is a lot to handle for a little (or big!) animal navigating our world. Give them a space they can retreat to where they are comfortable and know what’s what.

Not a good time for new rules
Adding to the family is a big transition in and of itself, so don’t complicate things further by adding new rules. Any training about being in baby’s space or playing with baby’s toys should be done beforehand.

Spend alone time with them
Your pets are used to being the center of your world and they still crave that attention. Make an appointment in your calendar if you have to, but make sure to guarantee some one-on-one time with your pets so they know they’re still loved.

lif you’ve brought a baby into a pet household, how did you prepare? Let me know!