How to introduce your new baby to the pet?

Having a baby is definitely a life- altering event. If you have a pet, then you must be worried about how the pet will react to your new baby and vice versa. What if the pet gets jealous and bites your baby? Many questions such as this will continue to haunt you. There is however a few guidelines you can follow to introduce your new baby to the pet.

Think about your pet’s temperament, more so if it is a dog. You must have heard stories about dogs hurting babies or even killing them. If you are not confident that the temperament of your pet will be harmless to your baby, you can think about giving it up. There are many local rescue groups who will relocate your pet if you want. Your child’s safety is paramount.

Familiarize your pet with the baby furniture some time before your baby comes home. Get the crib out, put the swing in the living room and set up the bouncy chair on the floor. By the baby comes home, your pet will get familiarized with the new furniture and not consider the baby as an intruder into its space.

Try to get a friend or family member to come home with one of your baby’s hats when you are still in the hospital and let it sniff it. This will help the pet get familiarized with the baby’s smell.

Don’t let your pet remain with your baby Alone. Always keep close supervision.