Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Introducing current pets to new baby

2 replies

misterspock · 10/09/2013 12:45

Hi,

My DW and I are expecting a baby in May, we currently have a very friendly dog and a cat that is wary (never aggressive) of small children. I think that the dog will just want to lick the baby, he's amazingly gentle with children and I think the cat will just stay out of the baby's way. Is there a good way to introduce them and will I need to make sure to still fuss the animals to avoid jealousy?

OP posts:
Nobloomingideapgornot · 11/09/2013 16:26

Hi misters

I can only give tell you how we introduced our new born....

I came in first with nothing in my hands so I could make a total big fuss of my boy, let him sniff me, lick me and have a cuddle for a good five mins. Then I left the room and came back in just me with baby in car seat and placed on the sofa. I remained standing but let him come up, have a good sniff and god forbid a lick to say hi. I then sat down with them both and cuddled, talked and before you know it, dog had goe back to bed.

From that point on, he would wonder over whenever h wanted, I never shoed the dog away, he was always allowed to come and say hi, even when baby in Moses basket. When baby was lying on a mat on the floor for a leg stretch, doggy used to lay next to him and sleep!

I don't agree with telling the dog to go way every time it wants to sniff or lick,it's a natural instinct and I'm convinced that as we were so laid back and kept the same walking schedule etc thats why he was fine.

He was our baby first and even when a friend visited with her baby, he used to lay next to them too..

Sure it will be fine, of course you could send a t shirt home so the hospital smell isn't alien and also a baby grow but I really wouldn't panic, if your anxious then so will the dog be.

Good lck xx

HelgatheHairy · 11/09/2013 21:57

I don't have time to type a reply but if you search on my name I have a pre-baby thread with lots of great advice (called "my dog is going to eat my baby" or close to that name) and I have a follow up thread after bringing baby home about how the dog hasn't eaten the baby! My boy is a golden retriever.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page