by Robin Shane

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Amber was very concerned about whether or not her new cat, Pinkinbutt, would get along with her new baby. She wonderd if she should have gotten a new pet and had some concerns about her baby's safety.

Pre-planning can alleviate much of the anxiety that may accompany your efforts in bonding the new realtionship between pet and baby. Pets are generally very curious, if not a little leary, of very small children. A conversation with a vetrinarian can provide invaluable insight on the pet's perspective, as well as personal experience with their own children. A few questions for the pediatrician at the next appointment will offer an array of safety advice.

Very young ages are the best time to forge new relationships between a new pet and a baby. No pet should ever be left unattended with young children. None of us know what an animal will do when a baby inadvertently grabs onto an ear just the right way and will not let go. Babies and pets alike must be trained in their behaviors around each other. Pets do not inherently know not to nip, just as babies do not know that pulling ears and tails can be quite uncomfortable.

Many childhood memories stem from those a child has spent with a beloved pet. In the view of the pet, there can never be too much love or too much attention. Both the pet and the baby learn valuable life skills about how to treat others just from the relationship that they have with each other. A little work will be worth the time invested for the entire family. They will likely form a lifetime bond that will never be forgotten and will last for generations.

Learn more about this author, Robin Shane.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.