Babies and pets

Dog, cat, and co. are a natural part of many families. When a baby joins the family, it is also a change for the four-legged family members. But growing up with a pet is also wonderful and enriching for children – that's why we are sharing here how family life with children and pets can be a complete success for everyone.

The preparation

If you or your partner are pregnant, not only will a lot change for you as future parents. Your dog or cat will also notice that something is happening. Many animals have a keen sense for these changes in the family, and some pregnant women even report that their dog or cat deliberately cuddles up to the baby bump. In any case, it helps to consciously involve your four-legged roommates in the preparations for the baby. For example, start with early – so the pets can get used to it, and you have enough time to teach them what will be off-limits in the future. It can also be helpful to accustom the animals to baby sounds. Loud crying or wailing can be frightening and unsettling for animals. But if you associate it positively early on and help your pet overcome its fear, it will no longer be a problem when the baby arrives.

Also set up retreats for your pet. It must also have the opportunity to rest adequately, even with a baby. This becomes even more important when your child starts crawling or walking – give your pet a way to escape the curious little explorer :). Your family routines will also change once the baby is here. During walks, there will suddenly be a , there will be no more quiet nights, and the times for sleep and meals will shift. Of course, you won't be able to plan everything down to the last detail, and that's perfectly fine. But you can start to get your pet used to a few things now. And for your own relief, you can already make arrangements in advance: maybe find someone to take your dog for walks from time to time or come by to play with your cat.

The first meeting

It’s best to let your dog or cat sniff extensively on a blanket or a worn piece of your baby's clothing before the first meeting. This way, your four-legged roommate already knows the smell and understands that it’s not an intruder. During the initial introduction, your dog or cat should be allowed to sniff the newcomer thoroughly – of course with all due caution, as you know your pet best. When you spend time with your , involve your pet frequently in the early days to prevent jealousy, and reward generously with cuddles and/or treats. But also absolutely respect your pet’s boundaries. If it prefers to observe your baby from a safe distance at first, that’s normal and okay. The same applies here: reward good behavior and regularly offer your pet closeness and cuddles.

Rules for Coexistence

That you should never leave your baby alone with your pet, we certainly don't need to tell you. But for the sake of completeness, we'll state it here once again: even the gentlest, friendliest pet can accidentally hurt a child or react unexpectedly if it is overwhelmed by a situation. If you're always present, you can prevent such situations. Perhaps your dog or cat also needs to learn a few new rules, such as not jumping onto your lap or the sofa when your baby is lying there. You should enforce these rules with loving consistency. This is safer for your baby, and your pet also benefits because it receives a clear framework and isn't confused by sometimes being allowed to do certain things and sometimes not.

Conversely, it also helps when your child learns clear rules from the beginning. For example, pulling on the animal's fur is taboo, and dogs and cats must be left in peace while eating and sleeping. And of course, from a certain age, you can also involve your child in caring for the animal: filling the food bowl, for example, is already fun for quite young children.

Allergies and Hygiene

Already in the there are a few things to keep in mind. As a pregnant woman, you should avoid cleaning the cat litter box. Cats can transmit toxoplasmosis through their feces. If you become infected during pregnancy, it can be dangerous for the fetus – but only in the case of a primary infection. Your gynecologist can check whether you already have antibodies against toxoplasmosis. Cleaning the cat litter box every day also minimizes the risk, as the pathogens in the feces are only infectious after a few days. Regularly deworm, vaccinate, and treat your pets for fleas. While none of these diseases are immediately dangerous for pregnant women and babies, they are at least very annoying and an avoidable risk.

After cuddling with your pet, always wash your hands thoroughly for you and your baby. Even if the animal has licked one of you on the skin, the rule is: wash thoroughly. Pets can transmit Salmonella and bacteria that can cause and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Especially with very young children, these can quickly become dangerous. If a pet bites you, you should see a doctor immediately with your baby to have the wound treated. Cat bites, in particular, can quickly become dangerous. Despite all precautions: current research indicates that children living with pets derive significantly more benefits than risks. Children who grow up with animals generally have fewer allergies and a stronger immune system. It is also not necessary to keep a household with pets clinically sterile or to constantly disinfect everything. Washing with water and soap or cleaning with regular household cleaners is completely sufficient. And if you regularly put your clothes and textiles in the washing machine, you are also on the safe side.

So don't worry too much about the cohabitation of your baby with a dog or cat. You know your four-legged roommates best and will make the right decisions. Then your child can benefit from growing up with a furry friend without any worries: children who grow up with pets learn very early responsibility, empathy, communication skills, and social competencies. Additionally, such a cuddly companion is simply nice for the whole family. We wish you a wonderful time getting to know each other!