Some Tips on Introducing Baby to the Family Cat and Dog

by DorothyBelle Poli

Sadly many new families feel they need to give up their long time family companion animal when a new baby arrives. This drastic step is not necessary for most households if a few simple things are done BEFORE baby comes home for the first time.

Step 1. Wean Slowly

Try to decrease some of the time you spend each day with Fluffy or Fido a little at a time. Sudden cuts in this "one-on-one" time is what makes a cat not use the litter box and a dog chew the leg off of your couch. Your animals need to be reassured you still love them and will give them the attention they deserve, but they will also need to learn how to share.

Step 2. Make Some Noise

Most households are quiet (or at least relatively so) prior to baby coming home. Older animals get into a routine while you are at work and enjoy their peaceful home. Bringing Baby home upsets this serenity. Invite friends and family over that have children and introduce them to the cat and dog. Go slow and do it over several short trips rather than one long visit. You can also make or purchase tapes/CDs of baby noises to play while you are home or at work. This way when Baby officially arrives at home, Fluffy and Fido will already be familiar with the sounds of Baby. The parents-to-be should go purchase a lifelike baby doll from Target (like a doll a little girl would play with). If the fake baby makes noise -- even better. Dress the fake baby in one of the real baby's outfits and scent the baby with real baby powder so it will smell close to what the real baby will smell like. Then pay attention to and carry this fake baby around the house with you for a couple of weeks prior to the arrival of the real baby. All of this interaction, noise, and smells will get the animal used to the real thing.

Step 3. Furniture Introductions

Have you ever noticed how exciting it is to Fluffy and Fido when a new couch is delivered, or you buy a new table? Well introduce Baby's crib, swing, high chair, etc. slowly to the house BEFORE Baby comes home. The novelty will wear off and Baby will not have competition for her stuff.

Step 4. Set Boundaries

Once the initial smelling and wonder wears off, do not let Fluffy sleep in the crib or Fido push the swing. Use a doll to help give the animal the idea that a little human will be in that spot soon. Getting the animal trained to acceptable behaviors toward this furniture is no different than when you taught them about the other furniture in the house. Give treats to encourage and reinforce good behavior.

Step 5. Sniff-test 101

Once the baby is born, bring home a receiving blanket, bootie, cap, etc. with the baby's smell on it and expose it to the animal as often as possible. Let every animal in the house get a good sniff and give treats during this activity. This trick familiarizes Fluffy and Fido with Baby's smell so that when Baby comes home, Baby is not a stranger. Use a fresh blanket, bootie, or cap each day.

Step 6. Bringing Baby Home

Well, you have done your preparation and now it's time to bring Baby into the house. Have Mom come in first without Baby. She should say hello to all of her animals first, since she has been gone for a few days and they have missed her. Once these re-introductions to Mom have calmed down, Dad should bring in Baby. Slowly enter the house and introduce the animals to the Baby. Sniffs are ok. PRAISE good behavior constantly during this time; give treats as an added reward.

Step 7. Praise, Praise, Praise and Give Attention

When your animal does well, is patient, or generally being well behaved, PRAISE them. This is a tough transition for everyone. Remember why you got Fluffy or Fido to begin with. Take time to walk them, brush them, and love them. Animals are a great stress reliever and we all need that when Baby doesn't sleep through the night or has colic.