Page 24 - FWG Issue 1 February 2025

Animals Matter

IS YOUR PET READY TO MEET YOUR BABY?

aving had two children, I sounds, sights and smells. Here are some • Ensure the separation of dog and baby
know what it feels like to be simple techniques to use: toys.
overwhelmed as a new mother. • Carry a doll wrapped in a blanket around • Introduce baby scents, for example, baby
HBabies change everything. They the house and teach your dog to sniff at wipes, powder, nappies and creams.
affect our daily schedules, sleep patterns, the feet of the doll instead of the face. • Help your pet deal with separation by
house and our pets. Then, just as we think • Display cot, car seat, and baby bouncers keeping it at home (but in a room) for
we are getting used to parenting, the in the house. short periods. Give your pet an activity
baby starts to crawl, walk, run and throw • Play YouTube clips of babies crying quietly feeder or a toy to keep it busy so that the
major tantrums. We know it’s a stressful and gently increase the volume. animal is relaxed about the separation.
time for parents so how does your dog • Go for walks with the pram and the dog. • If your pet displays any sign of discomfort,
or cat perceive what’s happening? How • Make a safe space for your dog or cat. then stop and make it easier. As an
can we intervene to ensure the transition They need to know and feel that they can example, lower the sound of the baby
from baby to toddler goes as smoothly as get away from the noise and commotion. noises. The goal is to train the animal
possible with our companion animals? Please don’t use this area for punishment. how to conduct himself around the baby
Baby gates are useful as the animal can and be less stressed with the upcoming
Prepare still see through the bars and won’t feel disruption to the home.
A few months before the baby is due, shut out of the family. Please don’t ever
familiarise your dog with as many infant punish your dog in this area. Introducing the baby
• On the day when you bring your bundle
of joy home with you, each parent should
greet the pet without the baby. Especially
if you have been in the hospital for a few
days, the pet will likely be excited to see
you and will pick up that you may smell and
walk differently. If possible, take a few worn
baby grows or a baby blanket back home to
allow the pet to get the baby’s scent.
• Once the dog is calm, bring the baby
into the house, preferably in a car seat (as
opposed to holding the baby). Position
the car seat where the dog can safely see
the baby but cannot reach the baby.
• When the dog leaves or turns away from
the baby, reward him for doing so.
• Tell your dog to sit next to you or your
baby.

Fourways Gardens • 22 • February 2025