by L. J. Diring

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Introducing a new pet to the baby can be trying. Another situation that should be mentioned is introducing the new baby to the family pet. Many methods can be used for both situations. Some of the methods which can be used are as follows.

Set the correct environment. Make sure there is room for both pet and baby. If a pet and baby are in too close proximity to each other, one could become frightened. Keep the room quiet. Do not have the television or radio on. Do not allow the baby to be noisy, squeal, scream, yell or get too excited. Keep everyone calm. Do not use toys that can startle the pet or baby. Do not get excited or anxious, animals read these emotions as fear and may react in undesirable ways. Chances are the animal and baby will be fine, and neither should bite each other, too hard. Keep the room dim. Bright lights can cause the pet or baby to get agitated. Pull curtains if needed. Keep temperature in the room comfortable.

NEVER leave baby alone in the room with the pet. Pets can become hurt, as well as babies. Some pets are delicate and could be hurt unintentionally, by overzealous tots. If startled, a bite from a well meaning pet, could be disastrous and create fear in baby, where there was no fear prior to the bite.

Be sure the pet and baby have eaten, and had plenty of sleep. Doing the introduction, a short time after breakfast may be a good choice. Be sure the adult family members have had enough sleep. Having an optimal amount of sleep will keep adults from losing patience. A Grumpy adult will not be advantageous.

Go Slowly: Keep contact minimal, at first. Do not force the baby or pet to interact with one another. Let nature take it's course. Natural curiosity will enable them to interact without interference. Unless it seems that one is going to be injured, let them interact on their own. If the interactions are going well, increase time by 10 minutes. Start with 20 minutes, if the interactions are going well, use 30 minutes. Every other day should be sufficient frequency. When they are comfortable with each other and adults feel comfortable, the pet can be allowed in family areas of the home permanently.

Do not allow the pet to show dominance toward the baby, or any family member. The pet should be aware the baby is a 'pack leader,' as adults are. Never show fear or excitement, if this should occur, correct the animal's behavior.

Never allow a baby to pull on animals. For small children, ears, tails, noses, and fur are things that look wonderful to pull on. Teach children from young, to be gentle. Pets feel pain too. Don't allow children to poke eyes, ears, or noses, injuries can happen that will hurt. Do not allow the pet to 'pull on,' tug on, use baby as a 'chew toy,' bite or nip at the baby in anyway.

Always keep the 'pack' mentality with pets. This teaches how members of a family must care for pets. Pets should never be allowed in baby's room. Baby should not be allowed to sleep in a room with the pet, until there is rapport and everyone is comfortable no one will be hurt.

In most cases, using these tips will ensure the pet and baby have a friend forever. Pets can be wonderful to teach a child many desirable traits, such as caring, responsibility, kindness, gentleness, loving, and best of all, to have a friend.

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