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Bringing a New Baby Home to Pets: A Complete Guide in 2025

ByJen Updated on

Bringing home a new baby is a joyous occasion, but it can be confusing and stressful for your furry family members. Dogs and cats are sensitive to changes in their environment and routine, and the arrival of a tiny human who demands attention and makes unfamiliar noises can be particularly challenging for them to understand.

With thoughtful preparation and patience, you can help your pets adjust to this significant life change and foster a safe, loving relationship between your animals and your new baby.

This guide will walk you through the process of preparing your pets before baby’s arrival, managing the initial introduction, and ensuring ongoing safety as your child grows. Bringing a new baby home to pets can be exciting if everyone is ready!

Bringing a new baby home to pets

Before Baby Arrives: Preparation for All Pets

Create a New Routine Early Prior to Bringing a New Baby Home to Pets

Animals thrive on routine, so implement any changes to your pet’s schedule at least 2-3 months before your due date:

  • Adjust walking times to match your expected new schedule
  • Gradually decrease attention frequency to prepare for when you’ll be busy with the baby
  • Set up baby equipment early so pets can investigate and adjust
  • Create safe “pet-only” spaces where they can retreat when needed

Familiarize Pets with Baby Sounds and Smells

  • Play recordings of baby sounds (crying, cooing) at low volumes, gradually increasing over time
  • Use baby lotions or powders on yourself to familiarize your pets with these new scents
  • Set up and use the baby swing, mobile, or other noisy items periodically

Consider Training Refreshers

  • Work on “stay,” “leave it,” and “go to your place” commands
  • Practice walking with an empty stroller if you have dogs
  • Discourage jumping on furniture where you’ll be holding the baby

Introducing Dogs to Your New Baby

The First Introduction

  1. Before bringing baby home: Have someone bring home an item with the baby’s scent (like a hat or blanket) for your dog to sniff.
  2. The arrival: Have someone else hold the baby while you greet your dog. Dogs can sense when they’re being ignored, which may create negative associations with the baby.
  3. Controlled meeting: Once your dog is calm, sit down with the baby and allow your dog to approach. Keep the dog on a leash if needed and reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
  4. Supervise and reward: Always supervise interactions and praise your dog for gentle, appropriate behavior around the baby.

Ongoing Management for Dogs

  • Maintain your dog’s exercise routine—a tired dog is typically a better-behaved dog
  • Include your dog in baby activities when possible (like sitting nearby during feedings)
  • Never leave your dog unattended with the baby, no matter how trustworthy they seem
  • Create positive associations by giving your dog treats when the baby is present

Introducing Cats to Your New Baby

The First Introduction

  1. Before the meeting: Allow your cat to investigate the nursery and baby items while maintaining some “cat-only” spaces.
  2. Initial introduction: Let your cat approach the baby on their own terms—cats typically prefer to observe first from a distance.
  3. Respect boundaries: Never force your cat to interact with the baby; allow them to set the pace for familiarity.
  4. Positive reinforcement: Offer treats and attention when your cat is calm around the baby.

Ongoing Management for Cats

  • Provide elevated spaces where cats can observe the baby from a safe distance
  • Maintain regular playtime with your cat to prevent attention-seeking behavior
  • Consider using Feliway diffusers to help reduce stress
  • Create barriers to keep cats out of the crib and changing table

Safety Concerns and Risk Management

Potential Risks with Dogs

  • Jealousy or resource guarding: Watch for signs of possessiveness over toys, food, or attention
  • Rough play: Even friendly dogs might not understand a baby’s fragility
  • Stress reactions: Monitor for signs of anxiety like excessive panting, pacing, or avoidance
  • Predatory drift: Small, high-pitched sounds might trigger hunting instincts in some dogs

Potential Risks with Cats

  • Suffocation concerns: Cats seeking warmth might accidentally smother an infant
  • Scratching: Even gentle cats might scratch if startled or handled roughly
  • Litter box issues: Keep litter boxes inaccessible to babies and maintain hygiene
  • Stress-related behaviors: Watch for inappropriate elimination, excessive grooming, or hiding

Universal Safety Rules When Bringing a New Baby Home to Pets

  1. Never leave pets unsupervised with infants or young children
  2. Create physical barriers (baby gates, crib nets) when direct supervision isn’t possible
  3. Teach children proper pet handling as they grow
  4. Maintain your pet’s health with regular veterinary care
  5. Have an exit strategy if the adjustment doesn’t go well

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider consulting a professional animal behaviorist or trainer if you notice:

  • Aggressive behavior like growling, hissing, or lunging
  • Extreme anxiety symptoms that don’t improve over time
  • Destructive behavior or house soiling
  • Excessive clinginess or attention-seeking behavior

Early intervention can prevent problems from escalating and help create a harmonious household.

Conclusion

With patience, preparation, and proper management, most pets can adapt successfully to life with a new baby. Remember that the adjustment period varies—some pets may take days to adapt, while others might need months. The effort you invest in helping your pets adjust to your growing family will pay dividends in creating a loving, safe environment where children and animals can form bonds that may last a lifetime.

By respecting your pet’s needs while ensuring your baby’s safety, you’re setting the foundation for a respectful relationship between your children and animals. This early exposure to pets can also help children develop empathy, responsibility, and a lifelong appreciation for animals.

Additional Resources for Bringing a New Baby Home to Pets

Jen is a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience, including over 10 years in pediatric primary care. She is also a certified IBCLC, passionate about supporting parents through the challenges of raising children. Through her platform, Just Ask Jen NP, Jen provides trusted, compassionate advice on both parenting and medical concerns, drawing from her extensive clinical background and personal experience as a mother of three.

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